Top 8 African Leaders That Will Rather Die In Office

The continent of Africa is consistently known for its negativity, the leadership situation of the continent is no difference from the torrent of challenges militating against it. In the West, leaders are elected for a term of office and after the expiration, he simply pack his bags and go. But there are Leaders in Africa that disagrees with such mantra. Why would a leader rather want to die in office than leave honorably even in midst of clamor for them to call it a day. I thought Mandela exited after just one term? Let’s take a peep in the category of leaders that see Mandela as alien. They are in descending order.

8. IDRISS DEBY OF CHAD

The Chadian leader who assumed office in 1990 after he took power through a rebellion against Hussene Habre and has since survived several rebellions of his own. With the people of Chad crying fowls, it seems the President have other ideas. After winning elections, in 2003 he abolished term limit to perpetuate himself in office.

7. ABDULAZEEZ BOUTELFLIKA OF ALGERIA

How can a president whom had experienced several heart attacks still want to remain in office? He even campaigned and won the 2014 Presidential election and was sworn in on wheel chair. Before the election, he was not seen in public for 3years. This 77years leader with the antecedents regarding his health would definitely die in office. He reportedly had stroke just few weeks ago. In 2012, he surpassed Houari Bounmedienne as Algerian longest serving president.

6. JOSE EDUARDO DOS SANTOS OF ANGOLA

This 71-year-old came into the Angolan Presidency in 1979 and since, he has been basking in the euphoria of office. With 35 years in power, the question is, what else does this man want in the presidency? It is rumored that he is grooming his son to succeed him in as President. Since 1979, he has worked with 8 Prime Ministers including one of his Sons. Elections in Angola are always at the beck and call of President Dos Santos.

5. BLAISE COMPAORE OF BURKINA FASO

This Burkinabe politician who upstaged his best friend and former head of state, Thomas Sankara through the barrel of the gun in 1987. Since then he has manipulated his way to remain office. After having been in office for 27 years, one begin to wonder what else does he have up his sleeve to give to the teeming Burkinabes clamoring for development. With Burkina Faso constantly being ranked as one of the poorest Nations in the world, one would suggest for the exit of Mr Compaore.

4. PAUL BIYA OF CAMEROUN

Many would not be surprised that President Biya is still in office after assuming seat of power in 1982. He is known to be undemocratic. Biya has presided over 7 Prime Ministers during his reign as President. Paul Biya introduced political reforms within the context of a single-party system in the 1980s and he since consolidated power. He has won more than 6 terms as President. Can you beat that?

3. OMAR AL BASHIR OF SUDAN

This 70-year-old Sudanese politician came on board in 1989, and he had since remained in office amid general outcry for in him to stand down. In 2008, he was issued an arrest warrant by the International criminal court for crime against humanity, genocide and war crimes. Bashir, alongside his counterpart in South Sudan were engulfed in bitter struggle until the emergence of South Sudan in 2011. Though the West awaits his extradition for trial, this erstwhile Soldier surely has other plans up his sleeves.  

2. YOWERI MUSEVENI OF UGANDA

This Ugandan former war-lord has been in office for as 28 years having taking the seat of power in 1986. He has worked with 4 vice presidents and 5 Prime ministers. The 64-year-old leader said he does not care about democracy. He is one of those leaders known to manipulating the constitution in other to remain in office. The opposition in Uganda is constantly hounded for speaking against the regime of Museveni. How long will he stay in office?

1. ROBERT MUGABE OF ZIMBABWE

Yes, this is the master of all the sit tight leaders in Africa. The 90-year-old leader is the only President the people of Zimbabwe have known because he came in after Zimbabwe’s independence in 1980. With Zimbabwe’s economy in turmoil and the currency valueless, the people of Zimbabwe deserved a better leader. Even with the Western world abolishing aids and grants to persuade Mugabe to leave office, the old man is maintaining the status quo. He perceives the West as Imperialists. The people of Zimbabwe must wake up or else doom days are here. Nonagenarian as president? Did I hear “God forbid”?