At the suggestion of the Zambia President, tomorrow the two sides in Zimbabwe will sit down at a meeting with southern Africa’s political elite. Have Africa’s leaders once again shown themselves slow and ineffective in responding to a crisis? Or is the fact that violence in Zimbabwe has been limited since the election evidence that men like Thabi Mbeki are quietly guiding the continent extremely well. Who do you want to take a leading role in Africa?
In South Africa we’ve seen a contrast between the President who has opted for a patient approach and the President-in-waiting Jacob Zuma who wants pressure put on the Zimbabwean Electoral Commission to announce the result.
In Kenya earlier this year it appeared that the Ghanaian President John Kufour would be the man to broker a deal. It turned out it was another Ghanaian, an unelected one, Kofi Annan who carefully pieced a fragile agreement together.
Does Africa need one man or woman who gives it leadership? And if so, who should it be? What style of leader does the continent need?
Or is the issue here, that the quality of leadership in Africa is so poor that there’s no-one to do it? And if that’s the case, does Africa need to look beyond its borders for quality leadership? Dare I mention the names of Tony Blair or George Bush?
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Not at least the likes of BUSH or BLAIR not even BROWN. However, when it comes to “who rules AFRICA” I think its none, but rather some people tend to put much more influence upon the others. For instance , in the Great LAkes Region, MUSEVENI has proved to be a leader. He is in Congo, Sudan, Somalia, Rwanda, Tanzania and Burundi.
When you move to the west, its like Obasanjo had always taken the day not unitl now, when WADE is trying to make a point.
However, I believe that AFRICA should not be ruled by individuals but rather by the majority of the populations.
Its unfortunate that in most of these countires, the masses do not have an influence. Even when they try to do so, those who think they weer born leaders tend to suppress them. That is why the adage that a “sitting president never looses elections” comes true to my ears.
I beleive its time up for us to face issues like Kenya, Zimbabwe and other countries where the masses have cried foulplay in the elections.
President Mbeki is a leader in his capacity and right, but I am a bit skeptical of his style of leadership. He appears slow to speak on most issues that bother on the interest of the continent. He seems to be comfortable in taking the easy road on all issues in this light.
When the fight for apartheid was on, he was one of those who voiced out for international help, but when presumed winner of the Zimbabwe’ elections did same, he queried that the situation is still “manageable”. He went further to say that the continent should “wait and see”.
What on earth is there to see more than what we have seen for decades under the rule of Robert Mugabe . The point is that he is not as proactive enough in confronting issues as President Bush is on every matter that bothers on the interest of America and Europe. From the war on Terror, to missile shield, to Afghanistan , to everything, you see that proactive pattern in the approach of leaders of countries like Russia, America, France, etc.
I am not comfortable with the presumed leadership of Mbeki. Perhaps I would have preferred to turn to light of leadership in Africa to Gaddaffi of Libya and the likes of former Nigerian president Obasanjo. Africa is in dire need of a man, not even two, just ONE.
We are still searching…..
President Mbeki is a leader in his capacity and right, but I am a bit skeptical of his style of leadership. He appears slow to speak on most issues that bother on the interest of the continent. He seems to be comfortable in taking the easy road on all issues in this light.
When the fight for apartheid was on, he was one of those who voiced out for international help, but when presumed winner of the Zimbabwe’ elections did same, he queried that the situation is still “manageable”. He went further to say that the continent should “wait and see”.
What on earth is there to see more than what we have seen for decades under the rule of Robert Mugabe . The point is that he is not as proactive enough in confronting issues as President Bush is on every matter that bothers on the interest of America and Europe. From the war on Terror, to missile shield, to Afghanistan , to everything, you see that proactive pattern in the approach of leaders of countries like Russia, America, France, etc.
I am not comfortable with the presumed leadership of Mbeki. Perhaps I would have preferred to turn to light of leadership in Africa to Gaddaffi of Libya and the likes of former Nigerian president Obasanjo.
Africa is in dire need of just one man who can stand up to speak and yet command that respect of the world and the African continent.
It never ends with Africa….I often joke but mean it when i say that it appears that black folks DO NOT DO WELL under black leaders in general. Sorry If i have offended anyone I mean look at Haiti . It always seems that black people support leaders because their black, but in the end once they are in power it’s their own people that suffer !!
To me it seems that black folks just can seem to govern themselves and being of afro-caribbean stock myself with a multi racial bloodline here in Trinidad, I look back at African countries, shake my head and silently say thanks to Christopher Columbus !!!! Sad but True !!
Afirca should be lead by the people of afirca. As far i know it is a dimocracy in afica is not? hence the people have the say as to who they want and don’t want, so the people’s voices should b heard. The elections in Zimbabwa have been over for going on two (2) weeks now why haven’t the people’s decision not been released to the country and the world.
Sure, Ros, you can mention their names… just not in the same sentence as “quality leadership”.
As long as the parties involved are still on speaking terms there is no reason to seek an outside broker. This is exactly the kind of process in which real local leaders stand out and they need to work it out on their own if at all possible.
One more thing Africa is not the USA so there is no one (1)leader that i see that can take on the role of leading Africa. All of the leaders on a hole have there problems to deal with in there own country. Africa needs to be a bit more united and the countries should stop fighting in among them selves and things will be a lot easier for the people.
there is no one individual who is the leader of africa. first off africa is divided into northern and sub-saharan. northern africa is part of the islamic league and really not connected to any of the politics of sub-saharan africa (ssa). ssa is a non-unified area of diverse independent countries. the largest country, the democratic republic of congo, is in chaos. the ex-colonial country’s angola, namibia, south africa, mozambique and zimbabwe are mostly controlled by the ex-communist revolutionaries whose wars of resistance led to their current political systems. interestingly, mugabe and eduardo dos santos are the only unrepentant dictatators who have made it their legacy to stay in power till death. ala fidel. unfortunatly, for the people of zimbabwe, mugabe and his tyrannical cadre are loathe to give up their power peacefully, because their luxurious lifestyles would be threatened. they also worry that their very lives would be threatened because of the horrors that they have inflicted upon the people.
Africans for Africa. I certainly don’t favor seeking out leaders outside. And, too, it seems that transitions between generations is happening now. Encourage the younger to show up at the tables. Virginia in Oregon
Hi Ros and the rest of the team,
I f we were to look for leadership in Africa in the conventional sense, i don’t think there is one to be found.
B y conventional i mean western style ‘democratic’ leader who really has the interests of the the people he leads at heart.
But leadership in Africa is in abundance only not in people who belong to the elite club but in everyday people who inspire the rest of us to face each day with renewed hope, devoid of political rhetoric.
In the national level, ever since the death of Thomas Sankara of Burkina Faso in ’87 and the retirement from politics before him by Leopold Senghor, i think Africa has never had another leader who can hold the light for rest to see.
As for Sheldon who has posted from Trinidad, i think mentalities like his are the major contributing factor in the lack of visionary leadership in the black world. Subscribing to the thought that we are inferior and the yardstick that can be used to measure our success can only be based on western schools of thought is really wide of the mark.
Nairobi
who is leading africa indeed [i seem to recall a certain thatcher who brought in some guns a few years back]
parts are run by big oil [other parts are run by bankers , then mineral exploration multinationals ,we of course have control by ngo’s and other special intrests ,working down we have the individual ‘chiefs’ and kings [i recall one sitting on his stool recently]
in short there are too many chiefs and not enough indians [sorry africans]
how to solve the problem is complicated by the enormouse proffits able to be reaped from the natural [god given] resources
the only thing that could work is to work within the individual trible groups [many small chiefs , benevolently nurturing their own tribes ,being paid by a benevolent benifactor commintie like the un [or a senet or house of reps who oversee the totality of 100’s [or 1000’s] of small sovereign states
who have available their own peacekeepers [a cross between a miklitary peace corps and m.a.s.h unit’s
who via a flyin docter type service , fly in and out as needs are revealed
each sovereign autonimy would have its own local communications ,and media ,and their best and finest would be sent to higher education nationally and internationally ,there would be contractual agreements that they return back to their own tribes to ‘teach” local talent into bonded type apprenticships
their cultural identity would be p[treserved as a duty of care , and discrete tourism and local resourse use would be installed on a share basis that under pins individual and enjoined application
basiclly all military aid would be made treasonous ,or be rightfully seen as exploitive ,and of no good or reasonable intent
local benevolent chiefs would be restrictive over allowing resouce stripping , [with sustainability being the key ,[ie never allowing more than half its treasure to be reaped or plundered ,in that 50 percent would by agreed decree remain locally
one head is not the best way to go [the temptations put upon them is just too great, the riches in africa are vast ,thus local input must be by a personalised [local approval [subject to strict conditions as deemed by the local tribes
Africa doesn’t need to look outside its borders to get exemplary leadership. We have great men and women who have demonstrated true leadership. Nelson Mandela, Graca Machel, Koffi Annan and the many uncelebrated leaders in the grassroots, who on a daily basis, mobilize their communities to deal with the socio-economic challenges facing them. It is a gross abuse to the dignity Africans when we look outside, more so the west, every time we are faced with a crisis.
Depressing reading these blogs. And perhaps they are true – all of them – blacks suffer under black rule- countries falter- Africa should lead itself.
But you know- if there was a system like in the USA or the UK, then the leadership would be more groomed for the rigours of running a country. Of course it is not foolproof – but it night help.
Mandela is the only one who could do anything to make this situation in Africa any better – but age is a problem. Mugabe and most of the leaders in Africa got to their positions by violent means . Think about it. Perhaps what comes around turns around? What is clever and maybe ground breaking is the MDC (Zimbabwe opposition) refusing to arm themselves against the rule of Mugabe. That is a different move – and while it might appear weak to those who want a Tshaka Zulu – it may the route for good governance. Tsvangerai and Biti are not stupid – it may take longer – but they know they have got rule of law and order and international influence as well as African influence on their side.
But guys – don’t kid yourselves about the meeting- it will be snowing in hell before the leaders disavow Mugabe and pull the rug from under him. He is fawned over as the last living freedom fighter who has told the west where to step off- and more than one leader would like to do the same.
What is missing in this whole situation is simple – leadership is about serving the people- this has been ignored in favour of self interest and corruption.
I think that the problem with the africa is that the leadership is covered by the legislative power. Whichever way leaders behave, they proctected by the law. Instead of fighting it we reinforce it. Think cameroon. We just need to look at the kenyan situation to understand. The president hold powers similar to that of a KING. He is actually a King, it is only the denomination that changes. He can dissolve parliament at his will, nominate electoral commissioners, senior civil servants,name them. Africans should first deal with their constitution before complaining.
Jerry in Kenya
African leaders in the majority of cases have been disappointing because of the lack of democracy in their countries. Many conflicts in Africa were resolved through the intervention of Western forces as in Sierra Leone, Botswana and Liberia. DR Congo is relatively stable thanks to the UN forces. Darfur was a failure for the African peace keeping forces as no other international law outside Africa was allowed in it. In other words, African leaders, when faced with crises, can’t sort it out themselves as each has alliances outside the continent.
Chad and Sudan signed a new peace agreement in Senegal, but that was during an Islamic, not an African conference. The annual African summit is just an occasion for meeting without any tangible agreement that ordinary Africans can see on the ground as Africa itself is divided into classical parts, the francophone zone and the Anglophone zone.
Many African leaders are power-manic. They can’t survive without clinching to power as long as possible by any means, like a change in then constitution allowing them to indefinitely stay in power or by vote rigging or intimidating and imprisoning their political opponents. It’s only pressure from the West that makes them bow to make token changes. But at heart the leadership remains in the hand s of the very few.
Africa has historical figure like Nelson Mandela who set the example to other African leaders that remaining in high esteem isn’t to stay in power until asked to leave by popular anger and a coup. Perhaps African leaders should learn from sports champions who leave the fields when they’re still at their apogee and not till they’re completely run out. For Mugabe, he saw his star ascending from the days of struggle against white rule until becoming president. But his intransigent policies and the desire to remain in power, for ever, blemished his image in the eyes of the majority of his countrymen. Had he stepped down before letting his country fall into complete economic chaos, he would now be seen as Zimbabwe’s wise man. Like Nelson Mandela he could have his statue erected in a famous London square or museum.
But as corrupt powers, many African leaders are ready to sacrifice the future of their countries as long as they can secure their own future. When democracy becomes a real fact in Africa, elections in them won’t be an occasion for the world to follow them with irony and regret as it happened in Kenya. Perhaps, African politicians should learn how to make fair and free elections a reality. The losers should be the first to announce their defeat and to congratulate their opponents. When politicians go publicly against each other after the elections, it’s no wonder if their supporters bloodily clash in the streets.
African politicians must know that preserving the independence of their countries comes through making sacrifices for them. Intransigence on all sides will keep the continent the poorest in the world, not because it lacks riches, but simply because it lacks politicians with rich ideas to make its multiple miseries a matter of the past.
Hi,
The problem with african leaders is that they belong to the same club.Once a leader sits in the presidential palace, he doesnt want to let go of power and fellow leaders are too reluctant to intervine because they consider each other as brothers. The only remedy is a breed of new and younger leaders.For example,President Jakaya Kikwete of Tanzania. He played crucial roles in Kenya and the comoros. Forget about Mbeki,he is a reluctant leader. Maybe when Jacob Zuma takes over as president in South Africa, then we can have two leaders in Africa who can push for a new Africa.
john,in Tanzania.
african dont need foreigners to lead them.i suggest nelson mandela though he is too old.maybe kofi annan.
Hello All,
Africa has many, very competent leaders; but it does not have much continental unity. The issue for many individual African countries, as well as the entire continent is building an atmosphere of mutual trust between people who still identify most strongly with their tribal roots. They are good people; but they need to earn their own trust. They must trust themselves. The recent activities in Zimbabwe are only the most recent examples of this need. It must seem clear to everyone that both ZANU-PF and MDC have cheated in this “election.” I place the quotes because it isn’t one yet, is it? This is just the problem; both sides always assume the other is going to cheat and so they get their digs in first.
The whole of the Black African peoples need to take themselves off behind the woodshed and give themselves a good talking to. And, they need to continue right on talking after that. They may need a remarkable Black African leader badly,; but more desperately they need ways to communicate so they may learn to trust one another. Rather that a Bush, Blair or a Brown they need a homegrown Ros, and Ms. Chloe and Ms. Fushia, and Jon, and Ian and all the tech guys and gals that make it run and then multiply it until everyone can hear and listen. Not the political bull the parties put out; but the people talking and listening to the people. They must learn to know they are all in this together, so together they must, and may, thrive.
later,
g
Good day WHYS
Who lead Africa?
Is African a composite of countries or a single country?
Who lead Europe? Who leads Asia? Who leads North and South America?
Why does WHYS’ want to cast Africa in the mold of one united homogenous country? It is not. It could not be ignorance or lack of information on the part of WHYS. I think you’re being mischievous.
What incomparable advantage Africa has over every other continent that would cause it to achieve the elusive quality of unity that has eluded mankind from time immemorial? Please leave the bar for unity for Africa at the same place it is for Europe, Asiai, the Americas etc.
Sheldon your post is most offensive and rude and gratuitious. Being from the Caribbean it is even more offensive as by and large we are a composite of different peoples of the world. Please don’t allow yourself to be racially brainwashed. My mother always told me that if I don’t have anything good to say I should keep my mouth shut! I would respectfully recommend that bit of advice to you Sir.
Kofi Annan did a creditable job in Kenya, I would hope that he is being kept in the loop. The matter is before the courts. I hope the West and South and East and North will respect that fact and if the matter needs to be speeded up offer then some “gentle persuasion”.
I hope before this time Monday, the matter of the next president of Zimbabwe would have been settled or at least there would be a sensible plan forward.
Please join me in congratulating the people of Zimbabwe for showing us how to be patient under trials and tribulations. Many expected and some I am sure hope for to see and hear of bloodshed and burning but thankfully they have been disappointed. I hope Zimbabwean will continue to remain calm. I am very proud of your level of maturity. You have made us in the diaspora here in Jamaica proud.
Carlos, Kingston-Jamaica
Remember Gladys casely Hayford’s WINGS, DEDICATED TO THE R.A.F MEN?
….I who am black yearn too to be near the stars…
Ascending in glory_whence I came I who am black.
It might seem a hopeless situation…, these chaos, electoral hiccups, political stand offs and slow democracy, but we are going there, we are approaching the much needed revolution.
Leadership in Africa is being shaped and sharpened locally. Western style democracy might not work locally, but it is not the only viable option.
The young generation of African leaders are a hope and inspiration to the continent.
But here, I take issue with philip, the first blogger today@ for his claim that Museveni is a leader in Eastern Africa. Museveni has rigged elections in Uganda, tried to mess Kenya for his support for Kibaki(kenya) when if rigged the Elections…
many of the older generation of African leaders have failed to provide decisive leadership… infact, they were mere rulers who, like the colonial masters, cared less for their subjects
I pose the question: Should any one person be leading africa? Africa is not the United States, which to me is what the question asked in this blog is trying to liken it to in form and function.
Africa is a rich and diverse continent with many independant countries with their own priorities and directions. Should any one person be directing this? NO! Any one person even trying would probably evoke violent reactions.
There is allready a council of african leaders, is there not? WIth more confidence from their peoples at home and better home stewardship, the leaders as part of this group would wield more power and be able to give/agree on better direction for africa as a whole. But that won’t come until African leaders actually start providing good leadership… if that ever happens.
Who leads in Africa? Money (and the lust for money) lead Africa.
It’s not a perfect question- it came partly from a survey about Europe which suggested that most people felt Germany-and in that case i suppose Angela Merkel- effectively “led” Europe (tho’ in America they thought the Brits led)and in the light of the many issues in Africa – and in the case of Zimbabwe, the silence from Thabo Mbeki struck many commentators. It’s a way into a debate about who represents Africa’s interests the best.
Hi!
Things won’t be OK as long as they keep on relying too much on the American support.
A governor taking steps in the different issues by appealing to its own people and resources is a way to have a good leadership. International support is not the core of the solution for issues in Africa.
Cheers! 🙂
the IMF & World Bank run Africa – that’s the problem
as long as there are natural resources there, the west will continue to abuse them
-Chad (in Portland)
How can one person possibly lead Africa? Considering how many nations exist on the continent and the diverse racial and ethnic there it is impossible to suggest any single voice to speak for Africa could emerge any time in the future. Besides which no one realistically suggests a voice for South America or Asia and even Europe with the EU is hardly that unified in its outlook.
Andrew
Australia
Dear Ros,
The 55 countries in africa are composed of 1 anti-western dictatorship, around 49 pro-western dictatorships, and the others a mixture of democracies and quasi-democracies.
Very often the 49 pro-western dictatorships are as tyrannical if not more so than the 1 anti-western dictatorship, but they get away with it and are protected from the media spotlight.
Zimbabwe, Kenya and 49 other African countries and so many other 3rd world and middle-eastern countries very badly need elections which cannot be frauded by their incumbent presidents and/or by the intelligence services of Western and other foreign powers.
Such voting systems exist on paper but the West is afraid of their implementation, and the effect which that may have on the profits made by their international companies and the security of the natural resources on which their economies depend.
Mr Alex Weir
Harare
Democracy is an evolving process, and good leadership is not a destination, it is a process. The world should be more supportive and proactive towards leadership problems in Africa.
As for the question of a unified leadership in Africa, we are still way far off, it will take really long for Africa to have a system like that of USA.
Regional bogs such as the East African federation, have brought us closer and made the possibility of a future political federation not just a dream.
Leaders from the outside such as Bush, Brown, Blair, putting, and other western or eastern leaders can only offer support for local leaders but never lead.
I believe in home grown solutions o local problems. When people know their lives are dictated by the decisions they make, they’ll try their best to be carefull of decisions they make
What problems we see in Africa for now are temporary, they will not last.
Remember Rwanda and the genocide? They’ve since moved on and are now very progressive. At one time in the history of past and present nations, political, economic or social crisis faced them. It is how we handle problems that face us, not the problems themselves that impact so much on our countries.
The USA was able to tackle successfully the civil war, and now it is a stble and progressive country.
Not long ago, China was a disorganized, amorphous coutry oday, it is an economic success, an envy of may, though for human rights, it has to do a lot.
The only viable option, to me, for the crisis of leadership in Zimbabwe, Comoros, and my own country Kenya is that the citizens of these countries must be proactive in choosing their leaders.
The solution also lies in reforming the electoral process to prevent future problems like that wich has faced Kenya.
Constitutional review, land reforms and educational reforms caried out as these are the underlyng problems causing the outbreaks of violence and war, poverty and illiteracy.
African scholars must carry out quality research into the history of their countries to determinet historical and current problems and identify possible remedies..
I take this chance to call out the proffessors and doctors in higher learninstitutions to provide quality leadership. African scholars in exile must also come back home to build their countries.
A lot of studies must also be undertaken in colleges and universities by our renowned scholars about leadership in order to subscribe local solutions to problems facing the continent.
Where is Ngugi wa thiongo, chinua achebe, and mariam abaa? Where are our renowned scholars?
Kenya is in the process of forming a coalition government, even though thre are serious hurdles on the way……..but we shall triumph in the end
As for Zimbabwe, a wait and see attitude will do more harm than good.
Mbeki is a lazy leader and cannot be counted upon to provide visionary leadership Africa desperately needs. Zuma is better, though.
In the end, it is the citizens themselves who will steer their country out of the problems facing them.
As the poet said, if your boat sinks, blame no one else…
Kipsang kerich in Bomet Kenya
+254711581459 or +254723672225
I think that the African leaders are from the old school and the young African elite all live and work in the US and in different parts of Europe. Africa is not producing new leadership from within.
Young African leadership is Africa’s number 1 export!
I think it’s Britain and America in the name of World bank IMF and UN these seem to be the major players on Africa’s survival.I had earlier started to blame our African leaders but they are to some extent justified.
There is nothing like an african solution. you try to be funny and you become poor like zimbabwe. Africans wait for an international solution, look at darfu- african forces failed untill they brought UN forces. The kenyan problem could not be solved without the intevention of International community, although Koffi annan is an african he came with message from USA, EU, UN, and lastly AU. Africans like international intervention. Am sure we are waiting in kenya for International pressure so that our leaders can form the Cabinet.
Sheldon’s comment is highly ignorant of the fact that Africans had been governing themselves for many centuries prior to colonization. In the post-colonial period, the challenged faced by Africans is their struggle to adopt and function within systems that are in many ways alien to them. Thus, the problem is not whether Africans can govern themselves under BLACK leaders. Rather, it is whether Africans can effectively adapt and implement principles and ideas that are contrary to what is socially innate. This is not to say that Africans must return to traditonal modes of governance. No. The focus, rather, should be on devising ways to internalize the concepts of democracy and capitalism so that they become a way of life for the people of Africa. It was through such internalization that traditional systems worked. It is hard for one to be democratic when one is ignorant of the fundamental assumptions of the ideology. Again, it is not whether African countries can be governed under black leadership. The problem is whether African leaders understand the rules of the international political game to play it effectively, a game that is virtually unsympathetic to the ignorant, and which sustains itself on ineptitude.
Frederick in Denver..
What is happening in Africa is the result of a failing international order. The desire to spread democracy is skewed to the point that leaders come to believe the own the country following elections. Such behaviors, however, are allowed to continue due to the primacy of the sovereign principle. Africa’s position in the world is heavily undermined, leaving Africans with virtually no option but to follow populis politics.
i was an anti apartheid protester in the 1981 springbok tour of new zealand. Over the years i have to admit , thabo mbekis inaction and by that inaction implicit support of his old mate mugabes regime really has left me womdering sometimes whether i wasted my time chasing the springboks around the country , literally fighting for a free south africa. I dont expect him to send the troops in but the sight of mbeki shaking hands with mugabe and slapping him on the shoulder like long lost mates at african summits frankly sickens me.
Kofi Anan is a strong leader but have in mind he was in power when Rwanda had its genocide.
Africa is a country with dormant leaders who are not up for a challenge. Mugabe has been in power longer than enough. His own people have severely suffered at his expense. African leaders that are on the map will bear no fruits on Zimbabwe crisis. Where have they been in 28 years of Mugabe’s dictatarial rule? The issue should be handed over to George and Tony Blair. They know how to deal with rude leaders like Mugabe!
Dear Ros,
To many of us around the world, Bush will always be thought of as “The Butcher of Bagdad” and Blair as “The Butchers Apprentice”.
What a revolting thought it would be to let either of them have anything to do with the situation in Africa.
Paul Rogers
New Zealand
How can one even advocate for external influence in African leadership. Are we forgetting history? Are we forgetting that it is precisely because of external influence that Africa is going through its current crisis?
Frederick in Denver
Kofi Anah is a good leader, Mohmah Ghadaffi is another and Mrs. Johnson is also a good one.
The problem with Africans is that they destroy leaders. It is time that African realize that leaders will have a flaw, but destroying them kills every motivation for leadership.
Braysley Famurewa in Michigan
According to Wiki Omar Bongo was born in 1935 . . . I predict he’ll be leaving office sometime soon . . .
The concept of Bill Cosby, Pele, and other “celebrities” being able to solve issues in Africa is absurd! Would Beckham be able to solve the issues in Europe? In addition, the last thing we need is a leader “at large”. Look what happened to Iraq when America decided they were a “world leader”
please Rose dont dare mention external leaders. as Africa we dont need them. we are more guided by culture than western politics and thats why even election chaos may have no big deal like in Zimbabwe. But getting u back to the point, we have stronger leaders like Museven and Gadaffi of libya who rule the continent in reality. the problem we have is that opposition leaders run to the western leaders first before consulting the strong men we have in africa. think about it every one.
Byaruhanga nicholas. Alexandria university, Egypt
President Kikwete not fit to lead Africa as could not solve own problem in Zanzibar for years now -Mbaraka London
love u ros. keep it up. your show is great i really like world have your say, but african leaders can do the job themselves so dont mention Bush
Africa is a continent, NOT a country. Unfortunately, most, practically all “westerners”, Asians, South Americans, Antarticans, Australian, etc, are not aware that Africa is a CONTINENT which comprises many DIFFERENT countries, many different cultures, many DIFFERENT religions, different outlooks and different attitudes. Imagine a Portuguese person with a Bavarian – what would they have in common, apart from both being European? Does that occur to ANYONE?. May I suggest that the reason all African countries are lumped into one is the unfortunate disregard that others have for people from that continent; they’re all black, after all, they’re all the same. If you’re honest with yourselves, you’ll admit that. You just have no idea how wrong you are. Unfortunately, that idea is propagated by some Africans as well. They realise that most other people would not recognise the name of their country; they revert to saying “Africa” instead….everyone knows that “country”. Dear, dear.
Alas, the usage of the unfortunate term “African American” continues, unabated. May I suggest “European American” to refer to Americans whose ancestors left for America from wherever within Europe, 100, 200 years ago.
By the way, You don’t need one person to lead Africa. It’s insulting. Would you have one person lead Europe?
One more thing – one might consider cleaning up one’s house first…….there is probably more corruption outside Africa than within. The “western” press seems to take delight in pointing out only the bad things in Africa. It makes the “western” people look so, so good, doesn’t it?
Perhaps you could find someone to lead America (all the Americas put together), Europe, Asia out of their woes.
Cheers.
Helena, New York.
Change the name of the program. Your blithering idiot on air spends half his time interupting the callers and giving his summations of what “he thinks” they wanted to say
Diann
African leaders in general, especially Thabo Mbeki, are too soft and reluctunt. They are good at watching problems worsening! Zimbabweans have suffered ever since. Mbeki has been urged more than once to address the crisis in Zimbabwe with no avail. People are being beaten up like dogs in Zimbabwe! Nobody takes any action against Mugabe. This only indicates how soft African leaders are! They cannot stand up for the truth. African needs a leader, a strong leader other an African Leader. Give the Job to Bush and Blair! Mugabe will understand that what he does for his own people is more than just evil!
Cuthbert
Vaal University Of Technology
I agree that our leaders in Africa have not stood up and reacted to what is happening in Zimbabwe but to suggest that President Bush or Mr. Tony Blair should intervene is downright insulting. Would you want them to “pull an Iraq” on Zimbabwe? Hold on…wait a minute; there is no oil in Zimbabwe so why would they care about it anyway?! Besides why would the BBC suggest that a leader for Africa does not have to be AFRICAN? Are the BBC attempting to be inflammatory to stimulate debate?
I nominate Colonel Qaddafi ; the quintessential living pan-African devoted to uniting the continent (I bet the good people at the Beeb would not agree though!)
Abena, Accra
Thabo Mbeki has betrayed the Zimbabwean people. He has said there should b a re count of the votes when the results r not even known.
Annon text
Africa is being pulled in diferent directions by U S, E U, China, India & other players making it impossible for any compromise on any issue. Buba in Belgium
I m surprised that no one has suggested Jerry Rawlings as an African leader. Great man and not in it for the millions.
Ted Jarrold uk.
Thabo Mbeki could have used his country s clout to become an African statesman. But he is to cold and diplomatic to be of use. Wole, Nigeria. S. Ajayi
MICHELLE IN NAIROBI ON AFRICAN LEADERSHIP.
IM SORRY 2 ADMIT IT BUT THE PROBLEM WITH AFRICA ARE OUR PROUD EGOTISTICAL MEN.
Unless we learn to respect our ex leaders, no African leader will be willing to honourably leave office. NALADO S. GURUN, TSANYAWA, NIGERIA.
We need a toothful Africa Union & not one African leader. Layi Abimbola- Lagos Nigeria
I think Africa needs to look beyond it borders for guidance. From MANSOUR of Monrovia.
No 1 in Africa can judge only Nelson Mandela,all the rest Presidents they dont have something 2 say.
Let bakali muluzi former president of malawi can help resolve problems of zimbabwe. Tom from malawi
Africa is 4 Africans -Bishop peters-LUSAKA
well i m listening 2 ur program nd hey africa o d world @ large hve no leadership qualities lyk dt of Jesus n its a shame 2 dt old goat in zim!
Simon zambia
Politics in africa unlike in the west is means of survival. Henry in kampala
African leaders are so corrupt that is why they suport corruption.cudos to Tambo Mbeki.As for me he can rule Africa as a continent.Macpherson from Nigeria.
I m afraid no African political leader has d moral high ground2lead d continent. They ve all failed their individual countries. Aniekan Ezekiel, Lagos, Nigeria
The Zimbabwe case is an irony inAfrica.Tompopo.
Africans can never agree on a single leader for the continent because the are all trabalistic. Forkpah in Guinea.
It is very true about most of the african leaders.All they care is about is their own pockets and those of their bootlicking henchmen.
Annonymous text
Most of d African Leaders ar corrupt, even there gatherin is to support Mugabe continuity. I think Ngr President is capable of solvin d problem but 2 cool. Sam
Some of these leaders are products of riggd elections,there4 their conscience would not allow dem speak against same process dat brought dem 2 power.CHIMEX.Nig
Afrika leader are leaders that dont seek their citizen interest but on own,i suport they a swarm thief.obruche okoro,14 giwamu road.warri,delta state nigeria
We hve got urgent practical intervention in coping solutions 2 self fundng remunerating childrn soldiers demoblization econmy start up in civil war torn Dr.Ganiwalla. mombasa
Since you feel that u need to rephrase your question to get an answer to your question let me help you. Who doesn’t lead Africa ? And you’ll get many nominations. Anyone who isnt mentioned in the list is the answer.
@whatever happen in african politics whether fair nor bad our leaders knows so african leaders should intervane in terms of correcting our political misdee@d,from bala gwaram in nigeria
Our leaders inhibit the same ambitions: Cling to power at the expense of our people. That is why we’re in the situation that we are in today. If anyone tells uncle bob you got to go, they themselves risk closing the door to clinging to power.
Africa is like “Pie” divided a the great economies , some black mercantillists , the Mister Tatcher Jr, and it seems That USA wants that pie to become an “Americain one” as its refuge value in those “R….., Rought times”, same as the Gold who is particularly available at Africa, but we already guessed, Refuge Value will attract predators as a lake in the middle of the the desert , and who say predators => say China too, those day .
China unlike the traditional “Partners” had made some practice deals in Africa’s key countries, building metros water pools (in my natal city), planting trees , financial aids, exploiting their own people before doing it to others
with a “lot” of pollution but what can we do ?, that’s the free markets rules invented by Occident itself,
finaly , i believe that china have much chances to domine the Old continent , since it didnt invade iraq , nor killed Palestinians daily didn’t persecuted jews (Singogues have been build there), never boycotted the holy spirit of Olympic games,
whats the arguments againt china ,?
– mistreating Tibetans with no pics like the abougharib jail’s one
– Blackout about that boycott in their news says the French tv “France 24”, while in The bbc news bar , we could read yesterday that 19000 students protest in that same country with no mention about it even in euronews??!
As a resume , i think Occident exported to Africa their “obsolete technologies”
and now it seems to me that Africa’s turn to export their “Obsolete Regimes”
Like a president announcing additional troops in a war without even talking about it in the senate!!!
indeed its pretty scary all this 😦
im finally very sorry for mistreating your beautiful tongue
It’s a process – don’t confuse wealth with wisdom and poverty with lack of judgment!
When you live in the west, you will quickly learn that people here are not more intelligent. The place doesn’t even work better. They have more money, so they can correct mistakes more easily. If the USA used as little energy as Africa, what do you think it would look like!
It is not helpful to keep comparing. It is poor psychology provable by an undergraduate in a university laboratory. It takes our eyes off what needs to be done, with each other.
Democracy is a process. We vote. We go to court. We have discussions. There are 50 countries in Africa and how many billion men, women and children? No one is our leader. We lead ourselves through our interaction with each other.
Having said that, congratulations on getting 75 comments. By my calculations, you have probably got 35 000 hits? Am I right? Discussion is valuable and I would like to see people not being so negative. We swing from saying everything is great to saying everything is terrible. From saying nothing can be done to saying some great god in the sky (Mbeki or someone) must do something with a stroke of a pen. We aren’t lights to be switched on and off at odd moments when we think about living.
Let’s discuss what is happening. How for example does SADC relate to Zimbabwe? Is this a matter of conscience only? What are the leverage points in trade? What are the leverage points where we share transport, water and power? What are the leverage points regarding the spillover of crime? What are the leverage points as we negotiate with other regions? How do we relate to the AU and UN? For that matter, what would happen to surrounding countries when we go home? I am sure we cause some nuisance but i wouldn’t mind betting we contribute more than we take. Similarly, is it good for some to stay and build stronger links between countries? Etc. etc.
Let’s talk business.
Embeki is the man who insisted that AIDS was caused by poverty instead of what scientists kniew that it was caused by human HIV virus. As a result, contless thousands died when he might have spent his corrupt government’s money on anti-viral drugs used to save lives in other countries.
Embeki is also the man who stood silent as Zimbabwe’s leader turned his country overnight from the bread basket of Africa into a famine stricken beggar with a destroyed economy through race hatred, lies, corruption, theft and sheer stupidity.
With leaders like Embeki held up as Africa’s best, it’s small wonder practically the entire continent is a sewer falling far behind the rest of the civilized world. Until Africans stop hiding behind past colonial injustice, racism, and other excuses for corruption, war, and mass murder, their lot will only continue to get worse.
Well i am really sorry for Zimbabwe the way thier leader has betrayed thier own people. if u had to ask the camels & donkeys to count the votes they would have completed atleast 10 times by now. i live in kuwait & originally from india. I think election commission should stop lieing with thier teeth now. if any country in the world doesnt have a free election commission office then its bound to b like zimbabwe. i wish he step down & we see zimbabwe growing back for the better. its not about power now these people now even have lost ethics. when ur 85 yrs old u r next to your grave well god is waiting for you to ask a million questions.
Africa is lead by corrupt officials who pretend to be leaders.
there is no leader in Africa, they are all friends one supporting the other just to hang on to thier chair. when south african president says there is no crisis in zimbabwe he sounds so funny. i think there is no crisis but a post elction party going on there. i think as the african leadrs are not taking any initiative its better now western goverments get into action now. well it was better instead of focussing on iraq we focus now on zimbabwe. wake up USA wake up nato
Africa needs a leader that has the fear of God.
A leader who thinks more of the masses and less of himself.
A leader who bows out when the ovation is loudest.
A leader who is ready to make sacrife on behalf of his people.
Leadership in Africa has been seriously abused by those who found their way there, not by ballot, but by oppression and manipulation.
Robert mugabe is a typical example of such a leader.
A leader whose continous stay have caused millions of Zimbabweans pains and suffering.
A leader who have outlived his usefulness.
He alone cannot stand against the collective wish of the people.
Aluta continua!
Victoria axerta!
What the **** are we tallking about? And why? Africa’s colonisation, Part II? It’s ridiculous to think that successful leadership lies in one person anywhere in the world.
Do other continents have a leader who influences all the countries in that continent? Do leaders from other continents qualify to be influencers on other continents?
A leader who emerges for one reason, may not be relevant in other. Nobel Laureate Wangari Maathai is an exceptional environmentalist, but not a good politician.
Remember, African countries were created at a round-table by a bunch of Europeans in the 19th Century. These ‘countries’ cut across ethnic kingdoms, and the colonial administrative style was based on creating division between the ethnic groups in that ‘country’. Divide and conquer.
I take offence to the suggestion that one person will be the ‘saviour’ for Africa. Africa has itsf Eminent Persons, drawn from across the African continent a group of older (retired) leaders. In some respects, they add value and influence. No-one is the ‘be-all-end-all’ of any country or continent.
@ Sheldon: Your ignorant arrogance is pathetic. I’d like to thank Christopher Columbus too. Clearly, your ancestors’ departure from Africa was necessary.
Savane
well there is no leader in africa all leader hide behind thier own finger. the misery in africa is purely because of its leaders. each & evryone is just looking to hold his chair. mbeki is not as respected as nelsen madela or kofi anan nor he has the diplomatic skill like both of them. hope we have very good leader in south africa as its the elder brother of the southern african states.
fahim kuwait
I agree with some of you that Africa is a continent with differences among its countries; so it would be rash to diagnose as a whole.
However all of them have a lot in commom, they were “colonized”, so to speak, by European people who took advantage of their ignorance, their naivity .
Raw materials, gold, diamons were too much interesting to leave aside….
But…. what about now?
Some African countries need a push, a good organization to go ahead.
Why not to get some advisors, experienced, realiable people to start with?
It takes a life to get experience, why not to use other people’s experiences to get a success?
Leaders rise from the will of people, they embody it.
Some people say that if they take an overview on the situation of African countries they see a bleak picture, but they seem then to forget that these people need to learn quite quickly everything from government, laws…
A part if you mean that during colonialism they were learning anything good to lead as enlightened people, the scope of that task is massively huge.
the only way for a real leader to emerge is for the people to move first, not to stand still, a leader will come only and if a large number of people want first to move, he then cast his net and grasp some of the core meaning the people try to express. It means that people needs to look positively towards the future and say: this is what we want as a country!!!!
It means going beyond ethnic’s problem and lots of other traditional taboos or unspoken truths that are widely accepted.
So, sorry, Africa has already a lot of potential leader, it’s just that they need now for the people to accept to give them what they need, a common energy shared for them to craft a goal.
It’s true that people “need to learn quite quickly” and that the energy, the strength comes when people push hard to overcome their present situation, being positive about the future and, of course, eager to change.
I’m also sure that Africa have got potencial leaders to face the present and the future, capable of having learnt from the past.
But ….. what about education? Education, values, culture …… ; from my view this is the first step for success!
I note the fact that some took what i said to heart and sparked healthy debate. Sorry folks but I called a spade a spade and that infuriated many. Some here saw through what i was trying to say and hit the mark. I am very much in tuned with my history past and present and material greed is a common thread amongst african leaders once they have either muscled their way into power ( i.e. military coup) or plainly rode the backs of their tribal support.
With regards to external leaders taking power or at least helping to shape it ,i meant a scenario such as this and again people listen clearly…Folks such as very very wealthy US celebs like Cosby,Oprah, etc or yes PELE can put money where their mouths are so to speak and instead of just giving generously as we know them to do ( i..e Oprah) can influence some sort of change AS A CONDITION TO THEIR GIVING THEIR DONATIONS.. Imagine this scenario for one second…A billionaire wanting to give back to an african nation, pumping hundreds of thousands into a system “with the intention of buildng” the economy but the funding must be handed over the the very same regime who has been accused of strong arm tactics and whose leaders have a very checkered past. Where do you think this money will end up ? You guessed it Mercedes for few, kickbacks for many and the poor continue to suffer.
It amazes me that some people prefer to openly attack things they don’t agree with and to my caribbean brother from Jamaica, what’s the murder rate like there my friend ? Are you satisfied that the black folks are doing well under a black government ? Are my jamaican brothers and sisters not experiencing hardship like all of us even here in Trinidad ( which i can say even though we here are blessed with OIl and GAs) are faced with the same “greed” caused by politicians of our own race !! Imagine here in the Caribbean our Caricom leaders can’t even talk regional travel, regional commerce, caribbean court of justice to uplift the one caribbean people without having to resort to all out bickering over a fishing dispute ?!! My people of Africa I love you all but like another writer said here, ego , tribal loyalty and self serving greed amongst your leaders is the reason why i say outside , non aligned leadership is the way to go. YOU DON’T HAVE TO LIKE IT BUT IT IS MY OPINION !! 🙂
Who leads Africa?
Big business that is who leads Africa and no one else. Paint it anyway you want medias, that is the truth. NATO etc. you just don’t exist in enough truth and substance to ever do any Continent any good.
You can promote your country’s propaganda any way you want and you do. Because no one in your country can stand up against you. The world of nations this is spoken to. You rape Africa.
Before the end of time each nation and individual will be held accountable for their crimes and lives so comfortably numb. Human rights violations engulf each nation in Africa. The exploitation of the African Continent cries out from someone living in hell able to see those also in the flame.
Who leads Africa?
LET’S FACE IT!
Greed, Corruption, Status and Tribal Loyalties rules Africa.
The last 3 months have exposed some of the facts.
Kenya.
There is no doubt that Mwai Kibaki rigged the election and with the exception of Koffi Annan, no African Leader ‘blinked’ because most of them are doing the same.
The ‘Agreed Power Sharing’ deal creating a Governement of such enormous size that will enrich another few hundred Ministers and ‘hangers on’, fail to Govern ‘for the people’ and again deprive the Kenyan people of their democratic and rights.
Safari Telephone Privatisation: Is anyone in any doubt that Ex Pres. Moy was not involved in the ‘untraceable offshore company’ that stands to make a small (LARGE) fortune from the privatisation? He and his family was involved in HUGE property deals in Kenya, Tanzania and the U.K. which far outweighed his wealth created as President.
Zimbabwe
Does anyone think that if Robert Mgabi had won the election, the results would have been anounced the next day?
The smug and smiling explanations given by the Zimbabwe U.N. Ambassador and others for the delay in releasing the results, fools no-one.
The ‘Information Minister’ on T.V. interviews is reminiscent of Sadam Hussain’s Information Minister, but unfortunately Mgabe has bribed and corrupted the Heads of the Army, Police and his other bunches such as ‘War Veterans’ and they know if that Mgabe looses the election, they will all be ‘hung out to dry’ by the new Government and the International community.
REMEMBER IAN SMITH? “One Man, One Vote, ONCE”. Lord Peter Carrington, you were conned by Mgabe as so many have been since!
Tanzania:
I was in Zanzibar after the 2000 elections and I saw peaceful protesters shot!
Future:
Africa is doing itself no favours with these Old, Outdated, Self Opinionated GUTLESS leaders?!.
Bring on the Young Potential Leaders, who have been University Educated, Understand that Democracy means power to the people rather than power to the Government Ministers.
China, is ignoring the problems in Africa and is ‘screwing’ many African countries even more than their “Ex Colonial Powers”. Happily, some African Countries have observed this and taken steps to minimise the consequences, but unfortunately the ‘Greed and Corruption’ factors are still visible.
I know that corruption is everyware on every Continent and in every Country, but Africa is a beacon of Corruption.
Some families of the Kakuyu tribes in Kenya, Moya in particular has given money and gifts to villagers to Vote ‘their way’
Mgabe, in Zimbabe, does it with impudence and force.
Tanzania, purports to be a democracy and has done better that some other countries but it is still RIDDLED WITH CORRUPTION.
DO THESE AFRICAN LEADERS KNOW what harm they are doing to the World’s perception of Africa? Or Maybe they just don’t care as long as their personal bank balances are continually filling?
Hello BBC crew,
WHo can lead Africa,
Yes, what an interesting subject, I remember my professor told me a few days that ‘only a human being can understand the sufferings of another human beind’. He added, “we are medical doctors because we are the only ones to understand the sufferings of our brothers ans sisters, that’s why we have to treat our patients with love and care”. If our african leaders cannot understand the sufferings of their own brothers and sisters, then I think they are not human at all. Only a concious person can lead Africa, someone who can understand the suffering of his own people.
I remember when I went for holidays in Cameroo, my mom told me that she will never vote again through out her entire life.
Dear Cameroonians, if you are tired of dectatorship, give death a chance as one of my friends once told me. Everything that goes up must come down. We can do everything we want on earth but never will we escape from death, it is awaiting all of us.
thanks