Africa’s ‘New Generation’ of Leaders, 18 Years Later: New at Reason

In a 1998 speech, Bill Clinton lauded four African presidents for their commitment to democracy and free markets. Three of them are still in power today. The fourth one is dead. Eighteen years later, the strong men are still mostly going strong.

Marian Tupy explains:

Two months after Clinton’s speech, Eritrea attacked Ethiopia in an attempt to seize a disputed border town called Badme. Up to 300,000 people died over the next two years. Today, Badme (pop. 1,500) is still in Ethiopian possession.

Ethiopia’s Zenawi died in office in 2012. He held the office of the presidency for 17 years. Eritreans have not been so lucky. Afewerki, who became president in 1993, is still in charge.

It’s the same in Uganda and Rwanda.

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