Locked In Power

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Locked in Power

“Locked in Power: Why Africa’s Leaders Resist Change and Innovation”

Progressive African leaders all acknowledge the positive effects that vigorous efforts toward innovation and invention have huge paybacks for the entire nation. As such, they dedicate policies, procedures, and even institutions and governmental bodies to promote innovations.

However, when leaders focus more on staying in power than on promoting innovation, it really stifles a country’s ability to develop new ideas and solve problems. Most of the world’s oldest leaders — in their 80s and even one in his 90s — are in Africa, which also has the youngest population of any continent. Here’s how it often happens:

Leaders who want to stay in power often mess with the institutions that are supposed to keep things fair and balanced. When courts and regulatory bodies are weak, it’s hard to protect new ideas and support research. This kind of instability scares off people who might want to invest in new projects.

Instead of spending money on education, technology, and infrastructure, a lot of resources go into things that help the leader stay in control, like security forces or propaganda. This means there’s less money left for innovation and development.

To stay in power, leaders often create networks of loyal supporters by being corrupt. When corruption is rampant, money that should go to public services and development ends up in private pockets. This makes it tough for new ideas to get the funding they need unless they benefit the powerful.

Leaders who are focused on power often silence critics and free speech. Innovation thrives when people can share and challenge ideas freely. If everyone is afraid to speak up, creativity and risk-taking take a hit.

Innovation needs stable, long-term policies. When leaders keep changing the rules to suit themselves, it disrupts efforts to develop new ideas. Investors and innovators are less likely to commit to projects if they don’t know what the rules will be tomorrow.

When political instability and lack of opportunities are the norm, many talented people leave the country looking for better prospects. This brain drain means there aren’t enough skilled workers to drive innovation and development.

For everyday citizens, it’s crucial to understand that when leaders care more about their power than the country’s progress, it can really hold back development. To encourage innovation, countries need strong, transparent institutions, consistent policies, and a supportive environment for education and business. Advocating for democratic reforms, transparency, and accountability is key to creating a better environment for progress.

African leaders and their governments often stay in power beyond their original terms due to a combination of manipulating democratic processes, controlling security forces, and maintaining weak institutions that do not effectively check their power. These leaders sometimes fear prosecution after leaving office, which drives them to cling to power. They also rely on excessive praise and support from government officials who fear losing their positions, and they control key economic sectors to maintain loyalty.

For citizens, it is crucial to understand these dynamics to advocate for stronger democratic institutions and accountability. Regular transfer of power and term limits are essential for the health of a democracy. By staying informed and engaged, citizens can push for reforms that ensure leaders serve the public good rather than their own interests.

Understanding these mechanisms helps in recognizing the importance of electoral integrity, an independent judiciary, and robust civil society in holding leaders accountable and ensuring a democratic future.
First off, a lot of these leaders started out by overthrowing authoritarian regimes. They promised democracy and better living conditions, but once they got a taste of power, they just stayed put.

Then there’s the fact that Africa has such a young population. Most people have only ever known one president in their lifetime, so it just seems normal for these leaders to stick around forever.

A big reason these presidents hang on is fear of prosecution. They’re worried about what might happen to them once they’re out of office, so they do everything they can to stay in power.

They also weaken democratic institutions on purpose. By keeping these institutions weak, they make sure there’s no strong opposition that can challenge them.

Another thing is the praise and support they get. Government officials and even regular citizens often heap praise on the president, hoping to keep their jobs or stay in favor. This makes it easier for these leaders to justify staying in power.

Economically, these presidents control key sectors and give monopolies to loyal supporters. In return, these loyalists fund their political campaigns, creating a cycle that keeps the president in control.

These leaders often blame foreign influences for the country’s problems. By deflecting blame, they rally nationalistic support and make it seem like they’re the only ones who can stand up to external pressures.

Understanding these tactics can help people push for stronger democratic institutions and necessary reforms. This way, leaders will be more likely to serve the public interest rather than just their own.

Some leaders make changes to the constitution to extend their terms legally. It’s like tweaking the rules of the game to stay in power longer.

Then there’s the control over security forces. Leaders use the military and police to keep any opposition in check. We’ve seen this repeatedly happen across the continent.

Manipulating elections is another tactic. Leaders might use fraud and voter intimidation to win elections. Yahya Jammeh in the Gambia tried this by rigging votes.

Opposition suppression is also common. Leaders arrest or intimidate opposition figures, which sometimes leads to them disappearing.

Leaders also create patronage networks by distributing state resources to loyal supporters. This keeps their support base strong.

And finally, they control key industries. By keeping a tight grip on the economy, they ensure their loyalists benefit financially, which helps them stay in power.

Be sure to visit “Tharaka Invention Academy” where you can learn about how anybody can acquire the mindset, skills, and knowledge needed by all problem solvers, innovators, and inventors. The post entitled “Global Innovators: 101 Careers Transformed by Invention Skills” contains links to many more similar stories about these people worldwide.

Questions?? Contact me any time at profsinger@inventionschool.tech
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Mechanical/Solar Engineer, Prof. Oku Singer

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