IN recent weeks, rumours of ill-health surrounding two African presidents have ignited public speculation, highlighting how the wellbeing of leaders in Africa is often treated as a state secret. This secrecy serves to protect political power, deter rivals, and maintain an image of strength, even at the expense of transparency.
The issue first surfaced in Cameroon, where President Paul Biya, 91, faced claims about his deteriorating health. The government quickly denied these reports, stating that Biya was in ‘excellent health.’ However, the authorities went so far as to ban the media from reporting on his condition, intensifying speculation rather than quelling it.
Meanwhile, in Malawi, President Lazarus Chakwera, 69, faced similar rumours. In response, his office took a different approach, releasing videos of the president jogging and doing press-ups in the streets of Lilongwe to demonstrate his fitness. These contrasting responses both aimed to project strength and vitality while shielding the leaders from the political risks that could arise from admitting any vulnerability.
Masculinity and power in African politics
Oxford University professor Miles Tendi explains that African politics is a ‘performance of masculinity,’ where strength is synonymous with power. ‘You can’t show weakness or vulnerability,’ Tendi tells the BBC, noting that this pressure creates an environment where leaders’ health is tightly guarded information. This masculine image also contributes to the limited number of women in leadership roles across the continent.
The secrecy surrounding health is not unique to Africa, but its impact is more pronounced in regions where political institutions are weak. In many African countries, leadership transitions are not well-established, creating fears that a leader’s ill-health could trigger political instability or even a power struggle. As a result, any sign of frailty is often hidden from the public, with governments going to great lengths to maintain the facade of strength.
The risks of health secrecy
University of Johannesburg professor Adekeye Adebajo notes that African leaders often link their personal health to the wellbeing of the state itself. This creates a dangerous dynamic where any revelation about a leader’s illness can cause uncertainty, affect markets, and potentially lead to political unrest.
In some cases, this secrecy has resulted in major political consequences. Over two decades ago, when Democratic Republic of Congo President Laurent-Désiré Kabila was assassinated, the government initially denied his death, claiming he had been sent abroad for medical treatment. This delay allowed the authorities time to secure his son, Joseph Kabila, as his successor, demonstrating how secrecy can be used to manage succession in times of crisis.
Similar instances have occurred across Africa. In Malawi, the announcement of President Bingu wa Mutharika’s death in 2012 was delayed amid suspicions that the government was trying to prevent Vice-President Joyce Banda from taking power. However, in other nations like Ghana and Zambia, where constitutional procedures for leadership succession are clearer, transitions have occurred smoothly after a leader’s death.
Public demands for transparency
As the public becomes more aware of the importance of transparency, especially among Africa’s increasingly youthful population, there are growing calls for leaders to be more open about their health. Nigerian farmer and teacher Abeku Adams argues that, as taxpaying citizens, people have the right to know about their leaders’ wellbeing. He believes that secrecy over a leader’s health is deeply ingrained in African culture, but also stresses that political leaders must be held to a higher standard of accountability due to the wider implications of their health on the country.
President Lazarus Chakwera’s public fitness display could be viewed in the context of Malawi’s highly competitive political landscape, with elections looming next year. In contrast, Paul Biya of Cameroon faces little opposition after winning five consecutive elections, despite allegations of rigging.
While some African leaders, such as Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari, have occasionally disclosed their health issues, the majority continue to conceal any signs of weakness. This culture of secrecy has persisted, driven by the fear that revealing ill-health could embolden political rivals and destabilise the country.
The need for greater transparency
As more African nations strengthen their political institutions and improve leadership succession processes, there is increasing pressure for greater transparency regarding the health of national leaders. Political analysts argue that in a true democracy, citizens should have access to this information, but in many African countries, transparency remains elusive as leaders prioritise maintaining power above all else.
Credit: BBC
