The recent viral video of President Salva Kiir of South Sudan urinating on himself on live TV while commissioning a road has stirred up some deep thoughts about African politicians.
The 71 year old President is expected to contest the country’s first general elections in 2024. The elections have been postponed about four times since it was first scheduled to happen in 2015. Salva Kiir has been the president since their independence in 2011. Some consider him a war hero and are saddened by the unfortunate embarrassing incident.
Many have started questioning why the continent with the world’s youthful population with more than 60 percent being under 25 years has most of the oldest Presidents in the world. Some even start new terms around 80 years old when there are clear signs they should not be holding such high offices but instead be enjoying their retirement.
Some Nigerians have reacted by calling on voters not to vote for any overage candidates in their upcoming elections in 2023. They warn that such candidates would be too weak to properly manage the affairs of the country and may also end up disgracing the country like Salva Kiir.
Some Ghanaians have also stated it was time for relatively younger presidents since they believe older pregnants only mess up the economy with very little to show in terms of development and progress in livelihood. Citing Akufo-Addo’s age of 78 is a possible reason for the poor management of the economy of Ghana. While some have called for a constitutional review to prevent over 60 year old from becoming president.
The health of the President of Gabon, Ali Bongo has also been questioned as to whether he is fit to continue as president after suffering from a stroke a few years ago.
Many are also of the opinion that these overage presidents do not have policies that favor the youthful majority of the continent hence the lack of development, and increasing economic hardship for the youth of Africa.
The narrative needs to change. Presidents should be selected based on competence and not given to the aged assuming they are knowledgeable. Their ideas are mostly outmoded and do not favor the ideals of the youth today.
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TC.Oceans
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