Of Chiefs and Presidents

Written by Gerald Mashiri

Traditionally, chiefs and kings are only replaced after death. In many cultures, they are replaced by a family member, a sibling, relative or child. This culture appears to have rubbed into many African leaders who, against the wishes of their "subjects," hold onto power; often to the detriment of the nation. What makes one hold onto power? Is it the idea of having the fortune of an entire nation in their hands, or is it about personal enrichment?

Independence in Zimbabwe came at a high cost. Many lost their lives and homes. Parents never saw their children and many grew up as orphans. One man emerged from the war a hero.

Robert Mugabe, loved by his people and an envy to many leaders still under colonial oppression. He came with a lot of promise, leading the breadbasket of southern Africa, and on many occasions leading the SADC on politics. Twenty-eight years on, the man has become his people's worst enemy. The economy is virtually non-existent and poverty levels are high.

1990 saw his best friend Edgar Tekere stand against him in the presidential elections, an early sign of opposition to the iron fist rule of the man. 2008 sees him face off against a man he was seen to be grooming for future presidency, Simba Makoni. Surely if the people close to you start questioning your capabilities, you should sit down and think hard what those further from you think.

Paul Biya has ruled Cameroon since 1982. Since then he has won elections widely seen by the opposition to have been rigged. In 1992, he won the country's first multi-party elections with 40.0 percent of the vote, with his closest rival getting 36.0 percent. The 19996 constitution restricts a president to two seven-year terms. Biya is serving his second term under this constitution, ending in 2011. In early 2008, Biya announced his intention to extend his term beyond 2011, arguing that he has been urged on by his supporters to continue ruling the country. This, coupled with increasing fuel prices, sparked massive demonstrations in Cameroon, leading to the deaths of over one hundred people. Biya has shown great disrespect to the laws that govern the people of Cameroon, including himself. Unlike Robert Mugabe, he is challenging the law. In Mugabe's case, the current constitution has no limits to the maximum number of terms a president can stand.

Omar Bongo is considered to be one of the wealthiest heads of state in the world. Bongo, Africa's longest serving head of state, has ruled Gabon since 1967 following the death of then president Léon M'ba. Gabon held their first multi-party elections in 1993, which Bongo won with 51.9 percent of the vote. He has won the preceding elections, amid accusations of an uneven political environment by the opposition. In 2003, restrictions to the limit of presidential terms were removed from the constitution. Bongo was accused of wanting to become life president. Accusations of corruption have long been levelled against Bongo. Also in 2003, Bongo was implicated in the trial of former executives of the oil giant, Elf. Payments amounting o $16.7 million were allegedly made to Bongo in exchange for Elf being given preference over British and US oil firms. Gabon is, however, more stable in comparison to Zimbabwe and Cameroon, but after more than 40 years in power, Bongo must surely be ready to call it quits. Even if Bongo were to resign there would not be much reprieve for the people of Gabon as it is widely believed that his son, Minister of Interior and Defence Ali Ben Bongo, will succeed him. In 2007, Ali Bongo's wife went shopping for a $25 million mansion in Beverly Hills in the US. She had earlier rented a mansion from businessman and music mogul, Sean Combs, for $25,000 per month. At least the people know where their taxes will be going.

The list of African leaders who hang onto power is endless. Even those deemed to be "democratic" try a few tricks. Thabo Mbeki, the South African president, showed ambitions of extending his term, but was quickly brought down to earth.

When you come to the finish line of a race, take a rest. Do not keep running. There are no additional prizes for that extra mile. The world, and Africa in particular, should stand on their feet and laud Festus Mogae, who steps down from office on 1 April 2008. He has completed his two terms in office. This is an example all our leaders should follow. When your time is up, call it a day.

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