Key Points
-
Botswana’s President Duma Boko criticizes leaders overstaying in office.
-
Boko calls for respect of term limits, highlighting failure in extended rule.
-
Africa has several long-serving leaders, raising democratic concerns.
Botswana’s President Duma Boko boldly rebuked African leaders who stay in power beyond their constitutional term limits.
Boko made the remarks during the groundbreaking ceremony of the Bonno Target 3,000 project in Gaborone. He stated that leaders who strive to remain president for more than 10 years signal their failure in understanding the responsibilities of the office.
His strong stance on term limits comes as a call for change in a continent where many leaders have maintained power for decades.
Boko said, “Any president who wants to be president for more than 10 years is instantly a failure.” He emphasized that leaders who extend their rule show a lack of comprehension about the job and its demands.
His statement comes amid concerns in some countries where presidents attempt to stay in office beyond the stipulated term limits.
Long-serving leaders across Africa
Boko’s remarks are timely, as several African leaders have ruled for decades. Paul Biya of Cameroon holds the longest-serving title, with over 50 years in power, followed by Teodoro Nguema Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea, who has ruled for 45 years.
Denis Sassou Nguesso of the Republic of Congo and Yoweri Museveni of Uganda share third place, each with 39 years in power. These long tenures raise questions about leadership sustainability and democratic principles in Africa.
The situation is not unique to Botswana. In Zimbabwe, former President Robert Mugabe ruled for 37 years before being ousted in a 2017 coup.
His successor, Emmerson Mnangagwa, now faces internal pressure to extend his term despite the constitutional limit.
Calls for democratic change and term limits
As Botswana leads by example, many African countries are grappling with the challenge of democratic governance and leadership transitions.
Political unrest and public dissatisfaction often accompany calls for extended rule, as seen in Zimbabwe and other nations. Boko’s firm position on term limits and his commitment to democracy set an example for a new generation of African leaders.
Boko stressed the importance of leaders understanding when to step aside for the good of their countries. By adhering to term limits, he argues, a country can foster new leadership, promote accountability, and embrace democratic values.
