“You have to reflect a certain kind of man to dominate in politics - you can't show weakness or vulnerability,” says Oxford University associate professor in African politics, Miles Tendi, of the pomp and secrecy that surrounds African leaders and their health. Political leaders, in Africa and beyond, are expected to be symbols of strength and resilience. Over the years, various African leaders have met questions about their ailing health with either silence or anger. Cameroon’s former President Ahmadou Ahidjo is believed to be the only African leader to resign due to ill health, in 1982, after ruling for 22 years. More than 20 African leaders have died in office, some without telling their country they were even unwell.

Source: Daily Nation October 20, 2024 01:04 UTC