Why is it that African presidents cling to power even at the end of their tenure?
398156
nice question... but anyway there's an addiction to power.. you always hear "power and money"\nThe problem is the people in Africa are too weak or brainwashed.. and mostly too poor to bother with who's the president is or what he's doing and all their concern will be to gain their daily bread and feed their families. \nAnd in some countries when the people do try to change their president, they're met by brutal force!\nBut that's not the case in Africa only, it's the same in Asia as well... and in America it could've been the same but luckily the law states that the president should run for presidency only twice. That's why Bush said that the next president may solve the problems of Iraq.
1005857
Politicians too often forget who sent them to the capital/capitol, and why they are there.  They seem to get caught up in the lifestyle of Washington, in particular, and take up a "go long to get along" attitude.  A good man in politics is too quickly disillusioned, and leaves.  Part of the problem is the current laws (and electoral laziness) make it much easier for incumbents to retain their seats.  Politics was not intended to be a lifetime job, but it has become such in many cases.
229191
The main issue in Africa is tribalism.  It has caused many problems in the past and current day.  Until they are able to get past this major obstable, Africa will stay in this state of confusion and chaos.  Nothing is being done by Africans or its governments to solve this problem.
486503
I think all presidents get tired after a number of years in office.  If you look at Bill Clinton when he went in and how he looked when he left, you can see a lot of the years on his face.
194915
The founding fathers went through several different ideas about how the president should be addressed.  They settled on Mr. President, because it showed respect for the office while not assigning the president a title of nobility; In other words maintained his status as an otherwise ordinary citizen. This is a courtesy reserved for the sitting president.  After they leave office they are adressed as Former President with their name following.
778534
No certain African countries have become to dependant on aid every year hundreds of million's are given to these countries and the following year they are back for more.There is something seriously wrong with the governments in these countries
599878
Africa's problems are of their own making.  Why people continue to think that writing checks and giving aid to the continent is the answer to its woes are wildly misguided.  The removal of corrupt leaders is key to any advancement.  As long as evil leaders reign, the Continent will remain a mess.  Where are those who promote women's rights when it comes to Africa?  Where are those who who understand that its poverty and famine are a man-made condition (by the current leadership)?  It is unfortunate, but African governments need to be overthrown before economic advancement, women's rights, and hunger, etc, can be overcome.  Any aid needs to have strings attached and should be directed and allocated by those provideding it, not corrupt leaders who steal it and disperse it to cronies and care nothing of their own people.  \n\nGive a man a fish and you feed him for a day, teach him to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.
156013
Presidents don't get thrones, they work for the people who elected them like you and me. \n\nSure, a president can resign.  The president of the Philippines is elected for a six year term.  If the current president, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, resigns then the vice president, (Manuel) Noli De Castro takes over the office of president.   \n\nThe president can only serve one term under the new (1987) Constitution.
1073727
It is not so much a case of the government we deserve as it is a case of getting the government we are too lazy to stop(in most cases) World wide governmental corruption, the western " Cult of Personality" and indolence all lead to this. With the way that any one running for office in the west is scrutinized, you must ask yourself what kind of person puts themselves and their families through it. The answer of course is egomanaical numbskulls that toe what ever party line they are told to toe. These are just talking heads anyway. Outside of the west it seems, largely, that it is the rule of the gun. Most of the current African leadership are little more that corrupt tribal chiefs and thugs interested only in their own enrichment. Sound cynical? Maybe, but take a really good look around.
10573
Look at all of the unrest in Africa -- it's ALL directly related to the colonization of Africa.\n\nThe British had a nasty habit of arming and equiping a minority group to keep the majority ethnic group 'at bay'.  This little policy of theirs is directly related to various ethnic problems, Rwanda is a perfect example.
704943
O.K.  good thing you clarified that!  So, taking in consideration your basis for the question, and although I have never been there, from what I have heard and read, you are probably right - at least about the fact that the parts of Africa under 'white rule' do seem to be quite a bit more progressive than those we see under 'black rule'.\n\nI do not believe, however, that this has anything to do with intellect.  I'm quite sure that it has much more to do with the wealth, which almost always accompanies power and control that surely came into Africa with the white people who now inhabit parts of the region.  \n\nAnd, I barely understand the politics of this country, much less know anything about what REALLY goes on in and around the Whitehouse, that is not told to us by the media. However, I have a hunch that pretty much everything that happens is a result of bribery,  blackmail, extortion, propaganda, and at the bottom of it all, who has the most money/power.  All around the world, the rich and powerful tend to get what they want, and anything that may or may not be left over goes to the rest of us common people - of any color in any land.\n\nAs I say, I don't know this for sure or anything, but are you so sure that Angola and Zimbabwe are really completely run by their own people?  Or maybe it just is made to appear that way.  I'm fairly sure that if there are resources there, and if the leaders of those countries are the true leaders (not "puppets", put in place by wealthy and powerful while people), then they would surely have taken advantage of them. Unless, they are being prevented from doing so by circumstances beyond their control.\n\nAnd just FYI, I'm not trying to stick up for or stand against any particular race.  I'm white, born in America - for better or worse.  I'm just writing from the perspective with which I see things.\n\nI dont' think that the present Iraqi "government" is really in control of Iraq.  I don't mean that they are having trouble with the civil war there that was not there before the US invasion, but that even if there weren't a civil war, that government is just an extention of George Bush, Rumsfeld, et al.  I only brought up Iraq to try to illustrate a concept that things aren't always the way they appear. And just because it appears that certain African countries are under 'black rule', that in reality, they probably aren't.  They probably answer to outsiders, and probably not by choice either.  Just like the Iraqi's.\n\nJust what I suspect, no proof....just my 2 cents.  Hope it helps?
857460
What does he do when he lives office? \n\nhe is there to stay like all African Leaders!
27049
They are in office until they Retire, become deceased or are impeached...
1129572
It was caused by colonialism, back when European countries thought it was ok to take over countries in Africa and exploit them.  It just stuck around the longest in S. Africa.  I'd also say it was caused by ignorance and hatred.
960447
By definition, an absolute monarch has absolute power, so they choose when they go. \nSo if they are removed it is often by those close to them, in a 'palace coup'. Or by a rebellion of their own army. Or by an uprising of the people.\nIt's a bad system, because even if the people can rise up and overturn one absolute monarch, a lot of people can get hurt or killed in the process, and the next ruler may be no better.\n\nPeople sneer at democracy but at least we get a say in who rules us, we can change rulers and no-one gets killed in the process.
435259
Firstly, there seems to be an innate fear of blacks coming to power and taking over the world.Their are various  groups supported by people worldwide pouring assistance into various parts of Africa.I personally support Feed the Children,Red Cross,One Campaign,etc.. to stand for peace and universal oneness.As for the government, It is easier get them mobilized if there is a great public outcry or profit to be made.The true power always rest with the people no matter who holds the reins. Contact heads of organizations,organize peaceful marches, and continue to speak out for what is just and right! Be the change!!! Peace.
844837
They serve until their term is over. If they served until the war was over every President would start a war near the end of their term.