Kabila, Gnassingbé, Bongo, Déby… Many African heads of state come to power by succession. For some, it is an obligation inherent in the delicacy of political affairs in Africa. For others, a dissent to democracy and an affront to the law.
For years now, the children of African leaders have been predisposed to power. Succeeding their respective fathers has become a continental sport. In the West, criticism points to this false alternation, which does not always respect the spirit of national constitutions. In Africa, however, some argue in favor of these successions, asserting that this dynamic responds to an African reality that Westerners do not understand.
Indeed, maintaining the political and social balances of countries very often depends on ethnic affiliations, and comes under the role of Head of State. A president has a role of sponge, he must deal between internal tensions and international pressure on his country. In Africa, even more than elsewhere.
Nevertheless, political alternation is a totem that is difficult to desecrate in the eyes of the world. Since the plebiscite of the republican regime in sub-Saharan Africa, dating from the first independence in 1960, the term "democracy" has been the watchword of post-colonial African constitutions. But what about this democracy in 2021? It is obvious, if we are to believe the semantics of Western media, that political alternation in Africa cannot be guaranteed by the succession of a son to his father. The media improperly write that this "fashion for threads" is an African phenomenon. But “this phenomenon of 'political dynasties' and hereditary succession of power is, however, neither specific to Africa nor new: it can be observed just as well in North and South America, as in Europe, Asia and Africa. in the Arab world, ”writes political scientist Marie Brossier.
Joseph Kabila, do you want any secrets, here are some
The first “republican dynasty” was the work of Joseph Kabila in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). When Kabila officially became president in 2003, he was only 31 years old. Nobody questioned his experience or his ability, or almost. The Congolese opposition denounced the coup d'etat which some claimed to have led against his own father.
Laurent-Désiré Kabila was assassinated by a member of his guard, who was killed shortly after. The young Joseph Kabila was designated as head of the transitional government between 2001 and 2006, the date of the presidential election he won.
Joseph Kabila remained in power until 2019, and even today, he maintains a great influence on Congolese politics and economy. The number of companies is estimated at 68, and he owns 113 mining permits for the country's main raw materials. A political dynasty as much as an economic one, therefore.
The Dean of Togo
Faure Gnassingbé himself became President of Togo in 2005, following the death of his father, in power since 1967. The Togolese Constitution provided for the interim presidency in favor of the President of Parliament. This post, at the time occupied by Natchaba, had no legitimacy for the army, and Faure became his father's successor.
Fambaré Ouattara Natchaba was then abroad. Faure Gnassingbé was appointed president in his place, with the support of the Togolese army. In order to legalize the situation, the parliament dismissed Natchaba. A constitutional amendment also removed the two-month term constraint imposed on the interim president. Enough to close the loop and launch the career of a Faure who expected to reign over his country one day.
Faure Gnassingbé's term of office was set at five years, including the end of his father's last term. He was then re-elected in 2005, 2010, 2015 and 2020. Post-election tensions became less and less bloody, it even seems that resignation dominates the Togolese political scene.
In Gabon, the Bongo from father to grandson?
In Gabon, after the death of Omar Bongo, his son Ali Bongo Ondimba was elected in 2009. The investiture of Ali Bongo was dubbed by the Gabonese political elite and French diplomacy, among others, in order to guarantee the stability of the regime, according to French officials.
However, Ali Bongo has repeatedly explained that he wants to impose radical changes on the socio-economic dynamics of his country. All in all, his policy contrasts with that of Omar Bongo. Some industrial raw material export sites are among the best in Africa in terms of earnings per concession. It has also invested heavily in the development of the road network to industrial zones. However, his promotion of agriculture and the green economy has not been successful, the food self-sufficiency he had promised is far from being achieved and the credibility of his ecological crusade has faltered. .
In 2018, Ali Bongo suffered a stroke. And despite his numerous appearances where he claims to be in good health, his 12-year presidency appears to be nearing the end. Bongo is currently preparing Nourredine Bongo… his son.
El General, in the name of the continuity of the Chadian state
The latest example of a "republican dynasty" in Africa is that of Mahamat "Kaka" Idriss Déby, son of the late Chadian President Idriss Déby Itno. A few hours after the death of the President of Chad, in power for 32 years, a military council had already suspended the government, the parliament and the constitution. Mahamat Idriss Déby was appointed president of the Chadian Transitional Military Council (CMT).
This appointment, which would resemble a constitutional and probably military coup, has, however, obtained the approval of the international community and Chad's immediate neighbors. The two reasons mentioned were the continuation of the anti-terrorist war waged by France and the United States in sub-Saharan Africa, as well as the ongoing rebellion in Chad. the FACT, the armed group that killed Idriss Déby, is still present in Chad. And his offer of a truce was turned down by the CMT.
The violation of the constitution was justified by " the defense of Chad against terrorism and the forces of evil, and the guarantee of the continuity of the State Said the CMT. A formula which alone embodies the installation of the new republican dynasties in Africa.
Teodorín Obiang: Caesar or Iznogoud?
The future of Equatorial Guinea is embodied in Teodorín Obiang, son of President Teodoro Obiang Nguema, in power since 1979. Teodorín is still "only" vice-president. However, no one else in Guinea could be defined as the inescapable runner-up of Africa's longest and most controversial presidency.
Indeed, President Obiang holds the world and historical record for the oldest president of a republic. It is this paradigm that makes his possible succession by Teodorín a highly contentious matter. Unlike Bongo, or even Mahamat Déby, son Obiang currently only has a long list of corruption charges to his credit.
Much ink has been spilled over the "ill-gotten gains" affair. The luxurious standard of living, the disproportionate expenses and the numerous reports on the accusations which stick to Teodorín put him in the spotlight. As Vice President, President Obiang's son accomplished very little. Will he succeed in perpetuating the Obiang dynasty in the future?