In the years following independence from colonial rule, Africa has been blessed with some outstanding leaders, such as Nelson Mandela and Seretse Khama, who have become global icons of exemplary and selfless leadership. Sadly however, Africa has also had a surplus of sit-tight leaders who choose to remain in office despite poor health or becoming unpopular with their fellow countrymen.
Some, like Zimbabwe’s President Robert Mugabe, have ignored corruption charges and ill health to cling on to power, while others like Gambian President Yayha Jammeh have declared, “If I have to rule this country for one billion years, I will, if Allah says so.”
As the January 19th Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) deadline requiring Jammeh to step down approaches, Face2Face Africa makes a rundown of 10 African presidents who have died in office in the last 10 years.
