The Curse of Power: Africa's Sit-Tight Leaders and the Burden of Governance

 

Power is a tool for development, meant to uplift society and drive progress. However, in Africa, some leaders crave power without assuming the responsibilities that come with it. Unfortunately, this trend manifests strongly in Nigeria, where politicians have remained in power for decades without any significant impact on the people. Some leaders, particularly from Cross River State, have held office for 16 years or more yet continue to scheme and manipulate their way into retaining power despite offering nothing new or transformative.  

These leaders mirror the political strongmen and dictators that have long plagued the continent. Among them is President Paul Kagame of Rwanda, who has now joined the infamous club of African sit-tight leaders.  

It is both disheartening and shocking that President Paul Kagame has been nominated by his political party to contest Rwanda’s forthcoming presidential elections for another seven years—after already serving as President for 24 years!  

While Kagame is credited with transforming Rwanda from a nation devastated by genocide into an economic success story, his unwillingness to relinquish power has tarnished his legacy. His lengthy tenure in leadership began in July 1994 when he served as Vice President under President Pasteur Bizimungu. He later assumed the presidency in 2000 and has held onto the position for over two decades.  

Kagame initially built his career in the military and was a key figure in the tragic events of the 1994 Rwandan genocide. As a commander of the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), he led the rebel forces that invaded Rwanda in 1990. The RPF was instrumental in ending the genocide and eventually took control of the country. Kagame then solidified his political influence, effectively becoming Rwanda's de facto leader before officially assuming the presidency.  

Regrettably, his messianic tendencies and obsession with power have placed him among Africa’s notorious sit-tight leaders, whose prolonged rule often leads to stagnation and instability rather than progress.  

The continent is littered with such figures, including:  

- Paul Biya of Cameroon – in power since 1982  

- Yoweri Kaguta Museveni of Uganda– President since 1986  

- *Denis Sassou Nguesso of the Republic of the Congo* – ruling for 38 years  

- Isaias Afwerki of Eritrea– in power since independence in 1993 (29 years)  

- Theodore Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea – ruling since 1979 (45 years!)  

- King Mswati III of Eswatini– monarch for 36 years  

What allows these leaders to remain in power for so long? They resort to unconstitutional methods, force, manipulation, and constitutional amendments designed to prolong their rule indefinitely. By doing so, they weaken democratic institutions and hinder genuine progress in their nations.  

President Kagame, despite his initial success in nation-building, has now fallen into the same trap as other African leaders obsessed with clinging to power. His reluctance to step aside has stained his leadership record, reinforcing the narrative that power in Africa is often pursued for self-glorification rather than public service.  

Without meaningful political reform, Africa risks being trapped in cycles of stagnation, as these leaders prioritize personal rule over national development. The challenge remains—how can the continent break free from the grip of its sit-tight leaders and embrace a future driven by dynamic, accountable governance?