World
A Call for Change: The Need for Youthful Leadership in Africa
Explore the urgent need for youthful leadership in Africa. This article delves into the transformative potential of young leaders, addressing challenges and inspiring change for a brighter future on the continent.
Reflections on Leadership: A Call for Change in Africa
In a surprising turn of events this month, President Biden announced his decision to step back from the presidential race, emphasizing the importance of “passing the torch to a new generation.” His decision prompted a wave of admiration, even from distant corners of the globe. In the heart of central Africa, specifically in coastal Cameroon, many citizens are expressing a deep yearning for a similar sense of responsibility from their own long-serving leader, Paul Biya. At the age of 91, Biya holds the title of the world’s oldest reigning leader, and many believe he is unlikely to follow Biden’s example.
“He’ll do everything to remain in power,” lamented Lukong Usheno Kiven, a dedicated human rights advocate based in Yaoundé, the capital city of Cameroon, where Biya has held the presidency for an astonishing 42 years. The sentiment echoes widely among Cameroonians who have witnessed a prolonged era of leadership that seems resistant to change.
Paul Biya is not alone in this phenomenon. Across the globe, a notable number of aging leaders continue to hold on to power, often outpacing the younger demographics they govern. For instance, Xi Jinping of China and Vladimir V. Putin of Russia are both 71 years old, while India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, is 73. In Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is 74, and Mahmoud Abbas, the president of the Palestinian Authority, is an impressive 88.
However, it is in Africa, recognized as the youngest continent in the world, where the contrast between age and leadership is most pronounced. According to research conducted by the Pew Research Center, eleven of the world’s twenty oldest leaders hail from Africa, highlighting the prevalence of gerontocracy in the region. This raises critical questions about the future of governance and the pressing need for younger voices to step into leadership roles, ensuring that the aspirations of Africa’s youthful population are represented.