By Kilemi Mwiria
It seems like African rulers never learn. Otherwise, how do you explain the refusal by Paul Biya to relinquish an office he has held since 1982? It does not matter that the constitution of Cameroun allows for a President to be in power as long as he wins elections. But that is if the people are not tired of you and if you still have something to offer.
Having entered office in 1982, he will have ruled Cameroun for a record 36 years. And the older he gets the more likely he is to force a fifth term because as Mwalimu Nyerere cautioned, the longer you stay in power the less courage you will have to step down. Meanwhile, you have neither the energy nor the vision in tune with global trends.
It was surprising of Paul Biya to declare that "now is the time for action to transform Cameroun into a developing country".
For God’s sake, why now after decades of misrule? And what have 30 years of inaction meant for his country except corruption, impunity and poverty in one of the potentially richest African countries? If he could not do it all those years when he was younger and more energetic, how much better could he do in his twilight years?
So, if the people of Cameroun were overwhelming in his support as he claims, the last General Election results would not have been so hotly contested. Nor would international observers have disapproved of the outcome. It would also not be necessary for Biya to send out emissaries to the USA and UK seeking endorsement and congratulatory messages for legitimacy. If you deserve it, you do not need to demand praise.
Not surprisingly, the colonial mother country France has been ambivalent. May be it is because Paul Biya is an in-law (his second wife is French) or because he has invested a great deal in France and elsewhere in Europe. The problem with our colonial powers is that they had rather remain faithful to one dictator and sacrifice the rest of the population as long as such a dictator facilitates exploitation of indigenous resources.
This is why Obama would endorse Hosni Mubarak one day and denounce him the next; and why the Syrian leadership is being tolerated although thousands of lives are being lost for protesting against the Assad dictatorship.
The Biya experience is a typical reflection of the behaviour of many of Africa’s politicians and ordinary citizens. Biya’s opponents were so power hungry, visionless and self-seeking; so much so that they could never present a common front against him. The now familiar story of African politicians congregating to complain after a loss to an incumbent is sickening. Meanwhile, the very people they want to represent urge them on, divided as they are; and the very same people Biya "bought" for his victory.
It seems like nothing will deter African dictators from awaiting the tragic ending of the types of Gaddafi, Mubarak, Gbagbo and Ben Ali because they never seem to learn. That is why very sadly, many are headed that route. They will continue to mistake the fear they have instilled in their subjects for loyalty; this is their curse!
—The writer is MP for Tigania West and Assistant Minister, Ministry for Higher Education, Science & Technology
