Africans Rising Calls for Long-Serving African Presidents to Step Down

By Samuel Ouma

 The Africans Rising for Justice, Peace, Unity, and Dignity movement has issued a bold call for three of Africa's longest-serving presidents to step down, urging them to make way for younger leaders who can better address the continent's needs.

Speaking during the All-African Movement Assembly in Accra, Ghana, the movement’s founder and Director, Kumi Naidoo, emphasized that these leaders have surpassed their prime years and should allow the next generation to take charge.

The call specifically targets Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, Paul Biya of Cameroon, and Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea.

Each of these leaders has held onto power for decades, often through controversial means, including constitutional changes, election irregularities, and authoritarian governance.

Yoweri Museveni, who has been in power since 1986 after leading a guerrilla war, has faced accusations of suppressing opposition and manipulating the constitution to extend his rule.

His government has repeatedly clashed with opposition groups, civil society, and the media, raising concerns about the state of democracy in Uganda.

Paul Biya has ruled Cameroon for over 41 years, with his elections consistently questioned due to alleged irregularities. Despite growing calls for change,

Biya has maintained his position, contributing to political stagnation and unrest in the country. His lengthy tenure has been marked by accusations of electoral fraud and a lack of meaningful political reforms.

On the other hand, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo has held power in Equatorial Guinea since 1979 after overthrowing his uncle in a coup. His rule has been characterized by a tight grip on the country’s resources and widespread human rights abuses.

Obiang's government has been criticized for its authoritarian tactics, including the repression of political opponents and the control of the media.

Kumi Naidoo questioned the leadership style of these presidents, arguing that their prolonged rule is out of touch with the needs and aspirations of Africa's youth.

He highlighted the demographic reality of the continent, where the majority of the population is under 35 years old, yet the leadership is dominated by ageing figures who, he suggested, lack the vision and energy to propel Africa forward.

“If you were good enough when you were in your 30s or 40s, why is it not understood that young people today would better understand the world and what is needed for the future? Why is it that they should not be qualified to lead?” Naidoo questioned, challenging the rationale behind clinging to power.

He further castigated the disparity between Africa's youthful population and its ageing leadership, calling it "ridiculous" that a continent so full of young, vibrant people is governed by leaders who are often disconnected from the current realities and needs of their citizens.

"Africa has a young population. When you look at the demographics, the majority of the people are under 35 years old. How can we have that profile of people in the continent and have leadership that looks old all the time?" Naidoo asked, underscoring the urgent need for generational change in African leadership.