Peaceful and Democratic Transfers of Power: a Leaders’ Legacy

The UK has long valued democratic and accountable governance, not least in countries with which we have strong connections. As the Foreign Office and DFID Minister responsible for the UK’s relationship with Africa, one of my key tasks is to pursue this agenda in that continent. Recent scenes of discontent, strife and violence in Burundi provide a warning to those tempted to follow a similar path to that of the leadership there. A peaceful and democratic transfer of power would have left the country and its future a great deal stronger. Instead of empowering the processes and institutions which are the vital underpinning of stability and prosperity, they were bent and amended for the benefit of an incumbent. Democracy has been gravely destabilised as well as the population’s faith in it.

The UK recently celebrated the 800^th anniversary of the Magna Carta, the first document in England defining the limits of executive power and guaranteeing access to justice for all. It affirmed that even those holding high office were subject to the law. Fast forward to 1962 when Nelson Mandela, facing a lifetime behind bars, cited the principles of the Magna Carta as those for which he was prepared to die.

Nowadays with a growing youth population in Africa and increasing demand for democratic rights, it is more important than ever before to respect democracy. Some leaders recognise this. Goodluck Jonathan recently showed great statesmanship by delivering a peaceful transfer of power in Nigeria. His actions strengthened Nigeria’s democratic institutions and the country’s long term stability and prosperity. He demonstrated his regard for democracy and, importantly, for the electorate. In return he has earned respect from Nigerians and others around the world. He has also set a precedent which should deter future leaders from favouring their own interests over those of their people.

Turn to Burkina Faso to witness the instability and violence that ensues when leaders deny their people a stake in their own future. A nation’s prosperity depends upon the adherence to democratic processes. When these are disregarded it is the people that suffer, as well as the perception of that country in the eyes of the world. Look at Burundi, where a President failed to change the constitution but carried on with elections regardless. Those elections were neither credible nor legitimate and the future of that country is left uncertain and fragile, as is its economy. How different it would have been if the world could have applauded the president for his leadership, rather than disparaging him for his actions.

It is no surprise that President Obama chose to highlight this issue on his recent visit to Africa. He delivered a stark warning that “Africa’s democratic progress is at risk from leaders who refuse to step aside when their terms end”. Britain shares this sentiment and urges leaders to resist the temptation to manipulate the constitution to remain in office. A leader who enables a peaceful and democratic transition will always be held in high regard by both their people and the rest of the world. Their legacy is something that will be universally revered and respected, as captured so brilliantly by Nelson Mandela in the following words: “There will be life after Mandela. On my last day I want to know that those who remain behind will say: ‘The man who lies here has done his duty for his country and his people.'”