In hindsight, Africa makes an analysis of the most famous African countries through notable events, politics, development and economic improvements. Africa has undoubtedly featured both well and differently on the global scene for a range of causes. We present you with the story so far, so that the intrigues of 2015 will not be forgotten so quickly. Some countries have reached amazing heights thanks to the efforts of their presidents – both recent and incumbents. In the same way, some other African countries showed a downward trend thanks to their presidents. Here are the top 10 African countries remembered for greatest drama whose presidents were either naughty or nice in 2015 (in no particular order):
1. Country: Angola
President: Jose Eduardo Dos Santos
While some African Presidents were passionate, some others did their best to develop their countries and saw more need to glorify the folly. President Eduardo Dos Santos has been accused of kleptocracy, extreme dictatorship and corruption and most recently netted American pop star Nicki Minaj $2 million. With the world frowning at the pop star’s insensitivity, Africa is more than a day shocked by the fact that a politician could “squander” such an amount without batting an eyelid. Will it be a crime to invest this money in the welfare of these citizens? However, President Eduardo was responsible for some major developments in the country. Angola is currently the leader in African oil production, and thanks to the efforts of its regime, the country is carrying out major projects with mutual support from the Chinese government. Angola is one of the fastest growing economies in the world in 2015. President Eduardo has announced his long-awaited resignation as President in 2017.
2. Country: Rwanda
President: Paul Kagame
President Kagame has gradually done a good job of giving the nation a reason to move beyond the trauma of genocide and dream bigger and brighter. In 2015, Rwanda was in the headlines for all the right reasons, from boosting the economy, climate change-driven 30 million tree plantings in local communities, adopting a single African passport policy, rolling out renewable energy (solar power), and much more Capital Kigali was named the most beautiful city in Africa by the United Nations. In a sign of a country that enjoys mutual respect from leaders and supporters, Kagame asked for his people’s approval through a referendum on constitutional amendments that would automatically empower Kagame as president until 2034. Over 90% of voters voted for him. that says it all
3. Country: Tanzania
President: John Magufuli
With 58% of the votes, Magufuli became the current President of Tanzania. He is considered a disciplinarian and as such has changed dramatically in Tanzania within his young government. First, the nation boycotted the Tanzanian Independence celebration for street cleaning; Magufuli has begun relieving shady and laconic officials of their duties. He was also praised for introducing reduced tuition and fighting corruption. More than any of his “bulldozing” feats is his lack of tolerance for the extravagant spending of officials. Without hesitation or being mediocre in any way, he cut unnecessary spending on government officials by 99.9% and instead invested the money in health care and road construction.
4. Country: Nigeria
President: Muhammadu Buhari
Buhari took over from Goodluck EbeleJonathan, who in his administration was instrumental in spearheading the Nigerian economy. From the start of his election campaign, Buhari vowed to rid the country of corruption. Despite this, there is much debate about the sincerity of this mission – whether it is real or just a procedure to make some chosen victims, since the “culprits” seem to be from the opposition party. However, many startling but positive discoveries have been made by looting officials, which are being gradually but duly prosecuted. Sadly, in terms of the economy, Nigeria lost 2.2 trillion naira over his six-month tenure (due in part to the drop in global oil prices). In all his efforts to control corruption such as establishing a unified financial account, Buhari has always been a source of controversy – firstly he is robbed in the case of the violent arms trade, secondly the billions of naira earmarked for government officials and then without any form of surveys Buhari signs the Islamic military alliance in Saudi Arabia. Most Nigerians accuse him of intending to Islamize the country under the guise of fighting terrorism. Let’s just say he’s taking baby steps in Democratic leadership, incongruous as it is for a man of his caliber and experience. Buhari is said to have warned Nigerians to be prepared for “tough times” in 2016. What a historic New Year’s wish!
5. Country: South Africa
President: Jacob Zuma
Africa mostly remembers South Africa in 2015 for the misfortune with xenophobia, which President Zuma addressed and apologized for in an open letter. Economically, South Africa is benefiting greatly from the efforts of former President Thabo Mbeki. South Africa is the EU’s largest trading partner in Africa. After a moment of somewhat stabilized economy in Zuma’s administration, a more volatile and stagnant trend emerged in some sectors, which posted the second-lowest growth in 16 years at 1.5%. However, significant progress has been made in reducing poverty and providing basic services – water, electricity and education. It is gratifying to know that life expectancy in South Africa increased by 9 years from 2005 to 2014, with a ratio of 52:61 years. The unemployment rate has also fallen. As for personality, Zuma may not be the people’s beloved at the moment. His controversial involvement in the $13 million security upgrade scam; “Almost” charged with corruption, fraud and extortion and doubtfully acquitted; With Nhlanhla Nene’s unwarranted sack causing the local currency to fall 5.4%, President Zuma is seen in a rather negative light. charged with fraud and racketeering and doubtfully acquitted; With Nhlanhla Nene’s unwarranted sack causing the local currency to fall 5.4%, President Zuma is seen in a rather negative light. charged with fraud and racketeering and doubtfully acquitted; With Nhlanhla Nene’s unwarranted sack causing the local currency to fall 5.4%, President Zuma is seen in a rather negative light.
6. Country: Zimbabwe
President: Robert Mugabe
Robert Mugabe is one of the most popular African presidents in history, largely because of his strong dictatorial personality – the legendary self-imposed tyrannical monarch. At 91, he was one of the oldest presidents in the world – in 2015 he will be remembered for the alleged coup/assassination attempt that led to the sacking of his deputy, Joice Mujuru. even more his total rejection of homosexuality on an international level. On the LGBT issue, he is reported to have said sarcastically:
“If the need arises, I will travel to Washington DC, get on my knee and ask his (Obama) hand.”
Behind Robert Mugabe is his wife Grace Mugabe, who has been all over the political arena since December 2014 when she took up the position of leader of the ZANU-PF Women’s League. Her unsolicited political presence and “meddling” grounds a thought that speculates she appears to be taking over the country’s decision-making. Who knows? She could soon become the nation’s first female president. Thanks to the Mugabe government, the Chinese government recently canceled Zimbabwe’s US$40 million debt as they (Zimbabwe) still want to be backed with a US$1 billion loan to expand their largest energy project. In 2015, Zimbabwe officially adopted the use of the Chinese currency against the Zimbabwean dollar.
7. Country: Kenya
President: Uhuru Kenyatta
The All-Africa Students Union (AASU) student Leaders from 12 local universities have presented President Uhuru with the Africa Education and Leadership Award and bestowed upon him the honorary title of President of the Year. His government is known to be responsible for making Kenya the economic powerhouse in East Africa and the ninth largest economy in Africa.
We can say that the award was deserved for thesereasons – the introduction and implementation of advanced economic programs; aviation development; free maternity services (in collaboration with his charismatic wife – Margaret Kenyatta); Employment of over 3000 young people from the ghetto; Upgrade to a more digitized database; improved electricity; road construction/transport which has contributed to job creation; Improvement in the areas of telecommunications, education and agriculture.
8. Country: Ghana
President: John Dramani Mahama
John took over the leadership of Ghana after the sudden death of his predecessor, John Atta Mills, 2012. On December 15, 2015, Mahama launched Accounting to the People , a book that consists of his accomplishments so far. From this documentary, his approach and interests are no different from those of his colleagues who are currently doing well in their administration.
According to Mahama, the government at the top is moving forward with housing, electricity, water and transportation; improving healthcare through the 640-bed facility for Ridge Hospital, currently under construction, and continuity of NHIS programs; Some community students have received 10,400 scholarships and the government has supported over 1000 school projects – providing school and study materials. His educational reforms regarding free secondary education were highly praised by UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova. Late last year, Mahama, the “supporter of the less privileged,” banned first-class travel for officials.
9. Country: Burundi
President: Pierre Nkurunziza
In 2015, Nkurunziza was installed by the”Constitutional Court” for a third term, having already ruled for almost 10 years in a row, and against the will of the people. This development led to violent protests in which around 100 people died and more than 150,000 citizens had emigrated. There is cause for concern when neighboring countries, Rwanda and Tanzania, are doing so well and Burundi is not.
Despite opposition from both African and international bodies, coupled with an attempted coup on May 13, 2015, Nkurunziza became president in July. From then to now, Burundi has never been the same as the AU’s offer to launch a peacekeeping mission in the country, but the government appears to have opposed it, labeling it an “invasion force”. As a result, a rebel group, the Burundi Republican Armed Forces, better known as “Forebu”, has launched a bid to remove Nkurunziza. The year 2015 marked another important political upheaval since the genocidal civil war and ethnic clashes in Burundi.
10. Country: Burkina Faso
President: Roch Marc Christian Kaboré
Burkina Faso has been associated with the trend of not having a solid leader for decades; So their pattern of leadership has endured with a touch of confusion and, worse, impacting the state of the economy. Aside from the fact that this is an inherently well-endowed West African nation, particularly in the areas of gold and cotton production, the nation is more known for military coups and transitional (usually military) administrations.
In 2015 (September 23, 2015 – December 29, 2015) Michel Kafando was the first non-interim President of Burkina Faso. This was the result of the 2014 uprising that prompted the involuntary resignation of Blaise Compaoré, one of Africa’s leaders, who has been in power since 1987. It is worth noting that his return to power for a period of 27 years was controversial. However, Blaise is currently being charged with the assassination of his comrade and Burkina Faso’s head of state, Captain Thomas Sankara. The pathetic political situation has called into question the relevance of the rule of law – human rights – in the country.
On November 29, 2015, Roch MarcChristian Kaboré was installed as Burkina Faso’s first democratic president since independence. Hopefully this bold and significant move will open doors for growth and development in the nation.