By Robert Rutaro
Two years ago, Obama speaking to African leaders in Addis made a prophetic comment about African leaders.
“When a leader tries to change the rules in the middle of the game just to stay in office, it risks instability and strife, as we’ve seen in Burundi. And this is often just a first step down a perilous path. But if a leader thinks they’re the only person who can hold their nation together – if that’s true then that leader has failed to truly build their nation.
He went to say, “Look at Nelson Mandela. Madiba – like George Washington – forged a lasting legacy by being willing to leave office and transfer power peacefully. I have to say Africa’s democratic progress is also at risk from leaders who refuse to step aside when their terms end,” Obama told delegates from across the continent.
“Nobody should be president for life. Your country’s better off if you have new blood and new ideas. I’m still a pretty young man but I know someone with new energy and new insights will be good for my country. It will be good for your country, too.”
The article first appeared on Rutaro Robert’s Facebook page. The writer is the secretary general of NRM youth league
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