Why Do Leaders Hold Onto Power?

A Reign Spanning Over Four Decades

In Cameroon, Paul Biya, aged 92, has recently secured his eighth term as president. This victory is met with widespread skepticism, given the country's struggles with violence, corruption, and poor leadership. Biya's lengthy reign, spanning over four decades, has seen him serve as both prime minister and president, making him the longest-serving leader alive today. Many Cameroonians have never known any other leader.

Protests and Government Crackdown

Protests erupted following the election, with opposition parties accusing the government of fraud. Security forces responded with force, arresting dozens and killing four. Some hope that the global wave of youth-led protests might empower Cameroon's opposition to challenge Biya's rule. However, it remains uncertain whether this will be enough to remove the world's oldest leader from power.

Africa's Elderly Leaders Clinging to Power

Biya is not alone in his prolonged rule. Across Africa, elderly leaders are clinging to power:

In Ivory Coast, the 83-year-old president recently won his fourth term.
Uganda's president, aged 82, is preparing for his seventh term next year.
Robert Mugabe, who ruled Zimbabwe until his ousting in 2017 at age 93, is another example of a leader who held onto power for far too long.

Global Trend of Prolonged Leadership

This trend is not unique to Africa:

Iran's supreme leader has been in power for 36 years.
Belarus's president has ruled for 31 years.
Cuba's Fidel Castro holds the record with 49 years before handing over power due to health issues.

These leaders share a common trait: poor governance and low standards of living in their countries.

The Decline of Democracy Worldwide

The decline of democracy worldwide is a concerning trend. With fewer checks on power, it becomes harder to remove ineffective leaders. Even democratic states face challenges with entrenched rule. In the United States, both President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump are in their eighties, raising questions about their fitness for office. The U.S. Congress also grapples with age-related issues, with several members dying in office in recent years.

Why Do Leaders Struggle to Step Down?

Human nature plays a significant role. The allure of power, whether for personal gain or a sense of importance, can be addictive. Democratic checks alone are not enough to prevent leaders from overstaying their welcome, especially in a political culture that values incumbency and fears change.

History Shows Leaders Fail to Deliver

History shows that leaders who stay too long often fail to deliver on their promises. So, how can we encourage leaders to step down gracefully? The Mo Ibrahim Foundation has tried to address this issue with an annual award for African leaders who voluntarily leave office. The prize includes a $5 million award and a lifetime allowance. However, only six leaders have received this honor in the past two decades, indicating that more incentives are needed.