A month ago American President Joe Biden was very unpopular. Today he is very popular. It is not too late for the old men of Africa to restore their reputations.
President Biden was greeted with placards saying 'We love you" when he opened the Democratic National Convention in Chicago this week. Yet in July Democrat supporters were in despair after Biden's dismal performance in the TV debate with ex-President Donald Trump where he came across as old and decrepit. The change came when he handed over the Democratic presidential nomination to Vice-President Kamala Harris.
A number of African autocrats are still hanging on after more than 30 years as presidents. It is obvious that they have run out of ideas and have little more to offer. They are almost all unpopular but they could all enjoy a Bideon-like surge in popularity if they stood down.
When a leader stays on as President indefinitely, naturally the public worries about the political transition. When he or she voluntarily stands down, there is tremendous relief.
We saw this with President Moi who was vilified in office but lionized in retirement. Other long-stay leaders should follow Biden and Moi's example.
Quote of the day: "It doesn't matter if a cat is black or white, so long as it catches mice."
Deng Xiaoping
The Chinese leader was born on August 22, 1904