A Dictatorship Crumbles

Yesterday, Africa was greeted with news about the electoral ouster of the Gambian strongman Yahya Jammeh. It was an unexpected piece of significant news which many did not want to believe because for a long time Yahya, former army officer, has managed to manipulate the electoral process and descended heavily on dissent.

That he could be beaten in an election without a fight and bloodshed was amazing.

Many have died while others have been jailed for daring to demand changes in the politics of the former British territory, with some resigning to their fate.

Important academicians from the country are currently in exile at a time when they could have been contributing immensely towards the enhancement of the lives of their compatriots.

The man who hounded them away is no more the man who called the shots, his tenure having been curtailed by pebbles that represent the wishes of the people.

Yahya Jammeh, a dictator, did not brook nonsense, as he killed his opponents or sent them to jail for long period of time.

For some time, many questioned his place in the comity of democratic nations.

His style of governance provided ingredients for such persons to pose integrity queries.

There are lessons to be learnt from the political earthquake that has taken place in the Gambia. These are as appropriate for Presidents as they are for opposition parties.

For Presidents, it is very important to leave the seat when the people so desire such a change.

To manipulate the electoral process through a connivance with the officials of the elections management bodies cannot continue indefinitely.

The shutting of social media and severing the country from the outside world, as Yahya did, can only be regarded as a crude tactics and uncivilized.

The power of the masses cannot be subdued by state forces indefinitely. Leaders who ignore this reality risk being removed ignobly at a time they least expected it.

Leaders must be wary about the quality of intelligence they receive from their top advisers, some of whom would continue to churn out false details to him in their obsession to maintain the trust of the president.

There would always be closure to dictatorships and tenures no matter how hard presidents try. Like death there is no antidote to this phenomenon.

Good leaders should know when to exit so they can maintain their dignity.

Yahya Jammeh, corrupted absolutely by power, least expected to lose an election but reality has caught up with him. Fortunately for him, he has conceded defeat which has saved him from the embarrassment which visits presidents who are impervious to realities.

Opposition parties should learn from the power which goes with unity.

The joining of forces by opposition parties in the Gambia has provided an important impetus for them to gently remove the dictator, something military action failed to do over the years when the people sought an appropriate means of regime change.

The national interest must surpass all others.
Selfish interest would not bring about the positive change which a country desires. When there is a compromise and opposition elements put their destiny in one person to fight the electoral duel, victory would always come, as in the Gambian experience.