No excuse for not emulating Nelson Mandela

BY RAPHAEL OBONYO

Nelson Mandela who passed away at age 95 years was a true legend if one considers what he was able to achieve in his lifetime. African leaders have a tough act to follow. 

As we mourn his passing, there are many lessons we can pick from the man who impacted the lives of millions.

When Mandela toured African nations, particularly Kenya in 1990 after he was released from prison, I was only nine years old.

I joined the thousands who thronged Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi to give a rousing welcome to a man I knew very little about. 

Many of us who drew strength and inspiration from Mandela’s example ache over his passing.  Mandela leaves a huge gap in our continent that has scarcity of leaders of his stature and character.

If the Mo Ibrahim Award is anything to go by, African countries must develop a new generation of leaders. For the second year in a row, Mo Ibrahim returned the Leadership Award for Africa arguing that none of the African leaders met the requirements.

So far only four presidents have received the award since its launch in 2007, Mandela, Pedro Verona (Cape Verde), Festus Mogae (Botswana) and Joaquim Chissano (Mozambique).

One important fact that Mo Ibrahim has exposed is that Africa is in urgent need of visionary and committed leaders.

Human rights violation, repressive leadership and massive corruption continue to characterise Africa countries decades since we got independence.  It is also sad that in Africa, wealth and power have been a major influence in getting to positions of power.

Africa is in dire need of visionary leaders like Mandela who are selfless and committed to improving the livelihoods of the citizens.  Unlike Mandela who took office as president in 1994 and retired in 1999 after serving for only one term, many African leaders do not want to leave office.

The continent is yet to see the zeal, sacrifice and humility that the iconic Mandela demonstrated throughout his life.

African leaders should learn from Mandela who refused to compromise the welfare of his country and principles. 

Young Africans must think of building a new generation of visionary and selfless leaders. More importantly, elect credible leaders who can stand the test of time.

The writer is a Global Young Diplomat and external advisor on the UN Habitat’s Youth Advisory Board.