Do rebel turned leaders, like Rwanda's Paul Kagame,
have unique qualities? |
This
week on Africa Live we are discussing rebels turned presidents. How
do former rebels act when in power?
Former rebel leader Pierre Nkurunziza will be sworn in as president of
Burundi next Friday, following his movement's victory in both municipal
and parliamentary elections earlier this year.
We want you to assess how the many presidents across Africa who used to
be rebels, both past and present, shape up once they gain power
constitutionally.
Is your country led by a former rebel? Do their experiences as a
rebel characterise or influence their leadership? Does
constitutionally-gained power change them? Are they different to other
leaders? Is it true to say: "Once a rebel, always a rebel"?
Send us your comments and experiences using the form on the right,
or text us to +44 (0) 7786 202 008. If you would like to take part
in the Africa Live programme on Wednesday 24 August at 1630 and
1830 GMT, please include a telephone number. It will not be published.
Your comments:
These rebels are
robbers and not leaders, my God! They come to power illegally and kill
people left right and centre. What is wrong is wrong, they did not follow
the rule of law from the beginning and cannot deceive us that when they
come to power they will be changed people.
Kwaku Sakyi-Danso,
Accra, Ghana
Yes and No. It all depends on the circumstances under which one becomes
a leader. If it is through dialogue like the case of Burundi, then the
theory holds water. Dialogue is a good foundation for visionary
leadership.
Musemakweri, Rwanda/USA
I think it depends on the very nature of the rebel leader. There are
some leaders with a vision and good charisma that lead their countries.
Men like Yuweri Musevini and Nelson Mandela are good examples for this
category, but others are terrible as hell, and their only goal is to be
another bloodthirsty dictator. In my judgement leaders are best if they
have the confidence of the majority, and that can only be assured through
democratic ways. Unfortunately, in Africa if you want to be a leader, the
gun is your best bet.
Birre Dhooye, USA
No. Rebels
derail development and destabilise legitimate governments.They bring war
and untold suffering to their people, and the only place suitable for them
is jail, not leadership positions.
Kofi. E. Sarfo,
Ghana/USA
Only time can tell.
Niyi Adeyemi, Canada
Rebels, warlords, and generals should be automatically barred from
politics. Most rebel movements may start out as a cause for freedom but
most end off becoming a business of terrorizing the civilians. If there is
only one person in the country who is capable of leading the military and
the government then I would be wary of that county's
future.
Richard, USA / Liberia
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Yes, their experience as rebel leaders would
definitely influence their leadership skills
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My answer is
yes, their experience as rebel leaders would definitely influence their
leadership skills when they become president/prime minister. If you look
at most of the current african leaders, Afewerki of Eritrea and Zenawi of
Ethiopia, they still think with their muscles not their brains. They
believe in silencing their opponents instead of negotiating or resolving a
particular issue.
Tamrat, Ethiopia
Let us not forget that it was rebel leaders that led us out of
colonialism. They will make good leaders only if they relinquish power
early. For example Museveni is now losing his past glory simply because of
entrenching himself in power.
Hillary Taban, Sudanese in
Uk
The years have taken their toll; their minds have been conditioned to
think within the box and not outside it. While the state office requires
the individual to be loyal to the entire nation, the former rebel leader
has been conditioned to be loyal to his ethnic group. The danger here is
that they are in a position to create more damage than the former military
leaders. The future of Africa will be in jeopardy as more children become
adults in these ethnically divided states that are headed by former rebel
leaders.
Makonnen Ketema, Kingston, Jamaica
I really have no hope in rebel wannabe leaders. Most of them misused
the terms such as liberation, freedom and justice, because after they gain
power they turn away from the things they first stand for and became
monsters like Robert Mugabe. All I can say is they are greedy, greedy,
greedy!
loremo kamanda, USA
Yes and No for John Garange (Sudan) and Meles Zenawi (Ethiopia),
respectively. John Gharange loved his people and they loved him to death.
Meles Zenawi is killing the people who protested against him for rigging
their votes, therefore, he is widely hated by his own people. It's just
hard for a former rebel leader to let go of the power he earned through
war.
Ethiopiawi, Cambridge, USA
Rebels are human beings like you and I. They make mistakes like anybody
else.
Nkundabatware, Guatemala
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Rebel leaders are all wolves in sheep
clothing
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Rebel leaders are
all wolves in sheep clothing. They have virtually nothing to
offer.
Ayuk, Cameroon
One unfortunate reality of rebels becoming leaders, is they very often
do not think of an exit strategy, once they assume power. Nelson Mandela
has led the way for Africa. We hope that this serves as a lesson on the
fact that there is life after public office in Africa.
David
Magezi, UK
The part we Africans fail to understand is that there is a big
difference between rebel leaders and freedom fighters. While freedom
fighters end up being icons like Mandela, rebel leaders end up being a
dictator like Meles.
Dawit , Canada
A rebel is a rebel because he is thirsty for power. They want to do
anything possible to get into power. Would you call that a good leader?
Campbel, England
Rebel leaders do not have the diplomacy required to govern in politics.
Eseme Ojaruega, Dominican Republic
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Their rule is often as ruthless as their rise
to power
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The difficulty is
a lot of rebels are ruthless individuals in the first place, that is how
they lead, so their rule is often as ruthless as their rise to power.
Generally they do not make good leaders in societies which are striving
for democracy. Leaders who are voted in are much better at being kept in
line by the public they serve.
Gareth Dewa, USA
Very rarely, but there are some who mature over the years and become
great leaders that Africa is proud of. Look at Meles Zenawi, he is one of
the most influencial leaders of Africa.
Hiwot , San
Francisco
History has proven that a rebel will always remain a rebel. But running
a country should be left to be done by men and women with proven
integrity. Take a look around the world - Every country rebels have run or
ruled always ends up a mess; Cuba, Iraq, Zimbabwe, Liberia, Rwanda,
Afghanistan, etc. They should focus on their goal which is bringing
equalities and opportunities for thier people, and leave the running of
their countries for "real politicans."
Iyke, USA
A rebel leader
who condones rape and other atrocities certainly will not make a good
leader. "By their fruits you shall know them".
Kingsley Ezenekwe,
Nigeria
Can history tell us how many rebels have made good leaders? I don't
think you can finish counting the fingers of one of your hands. The
reality on the ground and what someone might be thinking while in an
hideout as a rebel are two different things. Yes, it may be good to
overthrow a regime but not to stay for too long in power.
Maurice
Mwana-Tambwe, UK
Without a
doubt good rebels make good leaders. The problem with many Africans is
that we rest on our laurels in times, because we have developed a thick
skin amid utter misery. And it is only a few bravehearts that will come
out of the bush to topple the useless goverments. It is in this times of
need that our revolutionaries will come and rescue the masses.
Doyenne Ogun, Nigeria/USA
I do not think ex-rebels have been good leaders in the majority.They
all start well, with a lot of rhetoric to please their home and
international supporters. Once they are comfortably in their positions of
power the proverbial happens!
I am not trying to suggest that the ex-rebel leaders cannot become good
leaders, but all I am suggesting is that in the process of criticising or
applauding them we need to take cognisance of the environments and systems
under which they are operating. We are a developing continent and we need
to learn from our actions and mistakes to shape a democratic Africa.
Charles Mutanga, United Kingdom
Yes they can be good leaders. Rebels are freedom fighters. They
sacrificed so much to be in that position, and they have seen inequality
first hand. A few good examples are Museveni, Kagame and John Garang, who
unfortunately didn't get the opportunity to show his full potential.
Dut A deDut, Sudanese in USA
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Managing a country in times of peace requires
a totally different skill set than during a war
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So-called rebels fought for the liberation of Zimbabwe, and
unfortunately 25 years after independence they still think they are
fighting the war of liberation. They still address each other as comrades
and sing liberation struggle songs at meetings. The country is in ruins,
and it does not take a genius to see that Mugabe has failed dismally.
Managing a country in times of peace requires a totally different skill
set than during a war. It is extremely difficult for a rebel to make the
transition from leading a band of brothers who will answer to all his
commands to leading a country with vastly different people, managing an
economy in which he has to make many critical long-term decisions.
Nqobile, Zimbabwe
I don't think a rebel is a good leader. For example, rebel leader Meles
Zenawi: 15m people starving on his watch, but he still has an appetite for
war and he cares only for his ethnic group. There is no sign of him
leaving his post after more than 15 years.
Azmeraw Tigabu,
Gondar
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Maybe not from a western politically correct
point of view
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I grew up in Rwanda, where Paul Kagame is now the president. I believe
that he has made a good leader. Maybe not from a western politically
correct point of view. But if you take a look at where Rwanda was in July
1994 and where it is now, you'll see that he has made great strides
forward for the country. He has been a powerful ruler where one was
needed.
Chris A, UK
Yes indeed. Rebels make excellent leaders. The examples are many:
Nelson Mandela, Yoweri Museveni in Uganda, and Paul Kagame of Rwanda to
name a few.
Benjamin Sehene, France
To ask such a question is to ascertain that there is some certainty as
to whether a formal rebel makes a good leader or not. There is no such
certainty. Does an economist make a good leader? Who knows for certain? It
all depends on the individual whether or not he will make a good leader.
Whether you get Paul Kagame or Charles Taylor out of a civil strife is
dependent on the individuals themselves.
Eugene Ashong,
USA
Not at all. A leader is someone with a vision; but African rebels have
no visions. Look at the misery of Africans and the total lack of solutions
from the so-called rebel leaders.
Kiza Marcel, USA
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That's a commitment the rebels fail to create
or open up to when they become presidents
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Once a rebel always a rebel, this is true. Rebels as leaders they tend
to be drunk with power and assume ultimate control and supremacy over
their colleagues. The contribution they make in trying to revive their
countries leads to a spiral of abuse hence creating counter rebel groups.
Robert, Kenyan in USA
No, they are all power mongers. When they get it they will never let it
go. If they lose it, they go back into the bush and start all over
again.
William Tangwan, Edinburgh, UK
It's harsh to say once a rebel always a rebel. Some do make good
leaders like Paul Kagame. Others are totally useless. On the other hand we
may as well say you don't need to be a former rebel to be a lousy leader.
Actually the majority of African leaders are major flops, even though many
of them are democratically elected.
Pacharo Kayira, Malawian
studying in Sweden
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The first thing rebel leaders do, once in
power, is to consolidate their grip on the country
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The first thing rebel leaders do, once in power, is to consolidate
their grip on the country. To achieve this, they are willing to kill and
violate people's human rights. Most former rebels, all over the continent,
have become the neo-dictators of Africa (Kagame, Museveni, Kabila etc.). I
do not advocate support for rebel leaders.
Anonymous,
USA
There is some good to come from leaders who came from the bush. The
problem is when they have to reward those they were fighting with to take
control of the country. As we know, the list is very long!
Ray
John, Tanzania
We have heard stories of how rebels and their followers acting under
the influence of alcohol, drugs, or simply for lack of respect have
killed, maimed and raped innocent people within the territory under their
control. Some rebels are rebels in the first place because of their narrow
views, selfish interests and personal disagreements with those in
government. What do you expect from a rebel turned leader whose initial
interest in becoming a leader is nothing but personal gains? The answer is
more pain to the people they govern.
Ola, USA
Yes our PM is a former rebel. He is trying his best to keep the ball
rolling. He went to the bush first to overthrow the dictators and now is
trying to bring about economic development. He is doing it. All rebels do
not necessarily respect their words; some are corrupt, some are dictators.
Abraham Kahsay, Tigray, Ethiopia
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Rebels are selfish groups of individuals
preying on public fear for their own personal gain
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Absolutely not! Rebels are selfish groups of individuals preying on
public fear for their own personal gain. Take a look around Africa and
countries around the world with rebel movements, you will not find a
single instance where anything positive have come out of any rebel
movement. Most, if not all of the rebel leaders have turned out to be
worse than the people they forced out of power.
Joseph Seibure,
Liberian in the USA
The human nature is a very complex one. Sometimes, it will be unfair to
judge a bull by its horns. There is nothing wrong with a former rebel
becoming a leader. He will only become a rebel again if he renegade in his
promises. Some of the rebels fought against injustice, oppression of the
poor, corruption and dictatorship.
President Museveni of Uganda has done a great job so far. Let us give
former rebels who become leaders the benefit of the
doubt.
Omorodion Osula, Boston, USA
African countries continue to suffer through poor leadership. It is due
to this bad governance that rebels emerge to rescue the boat. Initially
rebel leaders have good intentions for the people, but once they taste
power they quickly fall into the same bad and tyrannical ways of their
predecessors. Whether rebel or not, most African countries lack quality
leaders.
James Omedo Kihali, Kenya
A rebel will always be a rebel.
Patrick, England,
UK