Joe Biden's Exit: Lessons for African Leaders on Leadership and Legacy

U.S.A. President, Joe Biden in a letter dated 21.07.24 declared not to run for reelection in the November 2024 USA presidential elections, a decision that has sent shockwaves across the political world-for some, shocking, for others, long expected. With leading surveys and polls pointing to a potential defeat for Biden and former President Donald Trump pulling ahead, his health and age have come under further scrutiny amid uncertainties over his future political outcomes. As a result, this choice was made.

This retreat has significant ramifications for not just American politics but the international political environments, including Africa. About Africa, Biden's decision to resign freely offers important lessons for African leaders, who persistently hold onto power despite advancing years and failing health. In the last decade or so, African leaders in Algeria, Burundi, Central Africa Republic, Chad, Comoros, Egypt, Togo, and Cote D’Ivoire have in particular modified their terms in office to continuously stay in power.

Consequentially, an essential lesson from Biden's choice is the importance of fresh leadership. The case of African leaders’ obsession with political power for decades, occasionally changing constitutions to allow them to continue in office permanently, hinders political advancement and increases public despondency. In deciding not to seek reelection, Biden provides an example of accepting the need for leadership change. In that vein, African leaders need to understand how important it is to step aside at the right time for new leadership and revived ideas, especially when performance seems hindered due to old age and corresponding health challenges. Any country's dynamic development and modernization depend on this timely paradigm leadership shift.

More profoundly, the idea that national interests should take precedence over individual goals is highlighted by Biden's announcement. Instead of acting in the greatest interests of the country, leaders who cling to power frequently do so because they want to stay in charge, gradually consolidating autocratic rule that eventually undermines and corrode democratic institutions. Reflectively, Biden's resignation serves as evidence of his dedication to democratic principles and the welfare of the nation. African leaders could significantly learn from this: put the future of their country above their political ambitions, ensuring that public service and the welfare of the people remain at the center of governance.

All in all, Biden’s exit once again exemplifies the role of the United States in strengthening democratic governance and leadership worthy of emulation, especially for Africa. First, recognizing one's well-being is a critical lesson that Biden's choice has given us. Biden would have a difficult time handling the demands of the president for a second term at the age of 81. His choice shows that he is aware of his physical and mental limits, proving that energy and vitality are necessary for effective leadership. On the other hand, a large number of African presidents, sometimes at the expense of their nations, stay in power despite serious health problems and senior age. One person that comes to mind is Ali Bongo of Gabon who suffered from stroke and sought reelection in 2023 and won, only to be toppled in a military overthrow by Gabon’s military. True leadership and humility are characterized by knowing when to surrender the reins to more capable individuals.

Additionally, Biden's action highlights how crucial democratic norms are. He contributes to ensuring a fair and competitive political process, which is essential to democracy, by declining to run for office again. However, a lot of African countries suffer from faulty election processes that allow incumbents to rig the results to hold onto office despite the glaring disaffection from the majority of the citizenry. Imitating Biden's adherence to democratic standards can result in a more responsible and transparent government, which will enhance public confidence and engagement.

In the end, a leader's excellent legacy may be cemented by leaving at the appropriate moment. Leaders that overstay their welcome more often than not, suffer reputational harm from the unfavorable effects of their prolonged administration, such as civil unrest, economic downturn, or corruption. By opting not to run for reelection, Biden can depart office with his dignity and accomplishments acknowledged. African leaders have to think about how their tenure would affect society in the long run and the advantages of departing with dignity and a legacy of respect and progress.

Of course, one could counter that many African countries are still relatively new to democracy since the United States has sustained democracy for over 247 years and not without challenges, even now. Nevertheless, far too many African leaders seem to exercise alarming scales of authoritarianism and dictatorship despite their democratic designation. The sooner African countries truly adopt democratic principles, swiftly addressing challenges as they evolve, the better they will experience the benefits akin to the rule of law, freedom, and welfare, enabling every person to live in dignity.

Indeed, although the road to impeccable democracy will not be easy, it is a worthwhile one for Africa’s peace and development. Accepting the lessons from Biden’s singular act within the United States democratic environment will eventually benefit Africa's populace and promote sustainable development by assisting the continent in predominantly moving toward more resilient and open governments.

REFERENCES:

Africa Centre for Strategic Studies (2023). Term Limit Evasions and Coups in Africa: Two Sides of the Same Coin. Access here: https://africacenter.org/spotlight/term-limit-evasions-coups-africa-same-coin/

Cabral, S. & Smith, S. (2024). Democratic mood darkens as Biden faces new pressure. Access here: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c51y2v4vv7ko

Feldscher, K., Zeleny, J., & Waldenberg, S. (2024). Biden’s health and age under even further scrutiny amid questions over his political future. Access here: https://edition.cnn.com/2024/07/18/politics/joe-biden-health-and-age-scrutiny/index.html

Armstrong, K., Ross, W., & Kowene, G. (2023). Gabon coup: Army seizes power from Ali Bongo and puts him in house arrest. Access here: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-66654965