Political Dysfunction is Not a Success Model

The Fourth African Week for Microfinance will take place on Oct 21–25, 2019 in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. Togo First reported: “Togo will on this occasion present its success model which some such as Gabon and DRC are emulating. The results of this model and success stories that emerged due to the country’s financial inclusion could be presented as well.”

And what is this model of success that Togo will be presenting, especially considering that Togo is only a few years removed from having been ranked the most miserable country in the world. Faure Gnassingbe, the man responsible for Togo’s misery, is not only still the president of Togo, but he is looking to run for a fourth term, despite the fact that people in Togo have been demanding that he leave.

That Gabon and the Democratic Republic of Congo are emulating Togo is no surprise. Like Togo, Gabon and the DRC have their own history of father-son dictatorships. Ali Bongo took over from his father in Gabon and Joseph Kabila took over from his father in the DRC. The situation for the people in those countries has been just as miserable. The DRC is not only impoverished, but has been ravaged by ongoing armed conflicts. Kabila finally left power — at least, officially he is no longer in power — after elections were held in the DRC last year, but Kabila prolonged the elections to extend his presidency long after his term ended. Bongo is still clinging to power in Gabon, despite his poor health. Earlier this year there was also a coup attempt in Gabon.

Contrary to what the government of Togo seems to believe, dictatorship and political dysfunction are not a model for success. After five decades, that model has not worked in Togo and it certainly is not working in Gabon and the DRC.

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Dwayne is the author of several books on the history and experiences of African people, both on the continent and in the diaspora. His books are available through Amazon. You can also follow Dwayne on Facebook and Twitter.