Ageing Leaders in Africa: The Trend of Prolonged Rule and Constitutional Amendments
Zimbabwean lawmakers have recently voted to amend the constitution, extending the presidential term from five to seven years and deferring elections until 2030. This move highlights the trend of aging leaders in Africa, where many countries are governed by some of the world's oldest rulers despite having a predominantly young population. The proposed changes also include shifting the selection of the president from a direct popular vote to a decision made by lawmakers. If approved by the Senate, President Emmerson Mnangagwa's term would be extended by two years, aligning him with other long-serving leaders on the continent.
The Pew Research Center's analysis reveals that Africa is home to seven of the ten oldest national leaders globally, despite having a median population age of around 20. This discrepancy between the age of the leaders and the population they govern is a common trend across the continent. Leaders like Cameroon's Paul Biya, Equatorial Guinea's Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, and Ivory Coast's Alassane Ouattara have maintained power for decades, often amending or circumventing constitutional restrictions to prolong their rule. This phenomenon of constitutional erosion for political survival is not unique to Zimbabwe but reflects a broader trend in Africa.
While some African countries have seen a new generation of younger leaders emerge, such as Senegal's Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Ethiopia's Abiy Ahmed, the political landscape is still largely dominated by aging elites. The limited opportunities for younger generations to assume power democratically have led to a disconnect between the age of the population and the age of those in power. Despite the continent's youthful demographic, the decision-making power remains concentrated in the hands of older leaders, perpetuating a cycle where youth are mobilized for votes but not for actual governance.
In conclusion, the recent constitutional amendments in Zimbabwe are part of a broader narrative of aging leaders extending their tenures across Africa. The discrepancy between the age of the population and the age of those in power underscores the challenges faced by younger generations in accessing political leadership roles. While some countries have seen a shift towards younger leadership, the overall trend indicates a continued dominance of aging political elites, limiting opportunities for democratic succession and renewal.