What does it really mean to be a successful politician in your own country? Today, we look at this fundamental question by exploring the political context in Africa, where money seems to be the main motivation for those involved in politics.
Indeed, in many African countries, politics is often seen as an opportunity to get rich quick. Politicians’ salaries are often indeterminate, undeclared or exorbitant. This quest for personal wealth has disastrous consequences for the people, who suffer from the oppression and corruption of their leaders.
The former president of Uruguay, an inspiring role model as president
However, there are inspiring examples of political leaders who show that it is possible to put the country before one’s own financial interests. One such example is the former president of Uruguay, José Mujica. Despite his status as president, Mujica has chosen to live modestly in a farmhouse instead of the presidential palace, giving most of his monthly salary of 9,000 euros to the state, keeping only 1,000 euros for himself. Exempt from any service agent company, this president advocates a life with only what is necessary. He showed total dedication to his country and his people.
The need to dissociate politics from greed
This example highlights the need to dissociate politics from the pursuit of personal wealth. If politicians were motivated by a passion for serving their country rather than greed, things could change radically. Unfortunately, the current reality is that many politicians use their position to enrich themselves illicitly, creating a vicious circle of corruption and poverty.
It’s deplorable to see these leaders rise to power with revolutionary ideologies, with this burning desire to change things; but the moment they reach the top, their concepts change completely. Politics has become a business, and that’s why people are suffering. The elites embezzle money and enrich themselves and their families at the expense of the people.
It’s essential to ask questions. If politics were divorced from money, would so many people still covet these top jobs? Or could the job be done right? Just as teaching or medicine is a matter of passion for some, politics was supposed to be the same. Unfortunately, individual interests take precedence over the general interest. That’s why so many refuse to relinquish power.
A Lire: Modern colonization in Africa: Injustice, abuse and the call for fair reciprocity
The importance of choosing leaders based on their values and dedication to the country
It’s crucial that we choose our leaders on the basis of their values, their dedication to the well-being of the country and their ability to deliver real progress. The people must become aware of their power and hold those who are supposed to represent them to account. It’s clear that in most cases, it’s the people themselves who choose to be in the grip of slavery, by proclaiming the actions of their leaders in bad faith and foolishly following them. It’s time to put an end to the culture of personal enrichment in politics and work together to build a better future for all. We don’t support a president just because we have friendly or familiar ties with them, but we support them because they share the same visions and ideologies as we do.
Dedication, integrity and transparency of leaders: Secrets to a better Africa
Once again, this president is not an apologist for a shabby life or poverty; rather, he is an extraordinary example of dedication. Other examples of true African leaders include Thomas Sankara, the first president to reduce his salary and advocate women’s emancipation, who unfortunately suffered the consequences of his total dedication. Similarly, John Pombe Magufuli has worked to the same standards, building his country with taxpayers’ money. Unfortunately, he left too soon.
At the end of the day, being a successful politician in your own country shouldn’t just be about accumulating personal wealth. This should mean working with dedication, integrity and transparency for the well-being of the nation and its citizens. It’s time for the people to rise up and demand real change, by choosing leaders who put the general interest ahead of their personal interests. Only such a transformation can bring about a better future for Africa and its nations.
Totally inspired by Zack Mwekassa’s video
