It is high time inefficient and incapable officials mended their ways
KARACHI: The head of Sudan’s military council, Ahmed Awad Ibn Auf, has taken over after overthrowing the 30-year-old government of President Omar Bashir amid growing public protests against the former ruler.
The culture of ruling countries for long years ended much earlier in developed countries, but is still prevalent in developing countries. Among leaders who remained in power for long were Cuban president Fidel Castro, who ruled for 49 years, Libya’s Qaddafi ruled for more than 40 years till his death in 2011, and Omar Bongo Ondimba of Gabon governed for more than 42 years till his death in 2009.
More than 10 countries in Africa have had the world’s longest serving rulers who came into power after toppling previous governments. Twenty of the world’s leaders who ruled their nations for more than 20 years are from Africa.
They took over by force, flouted laws, and lived in luxury and were finally overthrown by force as well. These countries are like ours with usurpers in every political, bureaucratic and educational institution.
Rulers such as these consider themselves above the law and accountability. They become so obsessed with adulation that they resort to violence and executions if things go against their wishes.
They believe they are all knowing and surround themselves with sycophants and flatterers, oblivious of the fact that success or progress is a result of teamwork and favourable circumstances.
However, even though they do not believe in the simple philosophy of you reap as you sow, they remain in perpetual fear of losing their power, which often happens violently. It is high time inefficient and incapable officials mended their ways. Inefficient and corrupt rulers, too, should also be removed.
Ashfak Siyal
Published in The Express Tribune, April 20th, 2019.
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