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| Pastor Sam Adeyemi |
In the wake of the recent military coup in Niger, questions surrounding the recurring issue of coups in Africa have come to the forefront once again. The situation in Niger, like in Burkina Faso and Mali before, highlights deeper leadership problems within the continent.
Coup leaders in Niger have defended their actions by pointing to escalating security threats from jihadist groups and sluggish economic growth. Similar justifications have been echoed in previous military coups across the region. While the West African regional body, ECOWAS, vehemently opposes these coups and champions the return to democratic governance, a substantial number of citizens in Niger are expressing solidarity with the coup leaders.
In the midst of this turmoil, Pastor Sam Adeyemi, a respected figure, took to Twitter to shed light on the underlying issue. He emphasized that neither military, democratic, nor monarchical systems have managed to foster rapid development in most African nations. Instead, he argued, it is imperative to confront the deep-seated leadership culture that bestows disproportionate power upon leaders while keeping the populace in a subordinate role across various sectors.
Adeyemi emphasized the challenge of addressing cultural norms that tend to perpetuate existing beliefs and behaviors. Although people yearn for change, they tend to revert to their accustomed ways when making choices, ultimately leading to a repetition of the same outcomes. To break this cycle, he advocated for a conscious effort to replace outdated beliefs with new ones, especially those that prioritize equality, accountability, and service.
Highlighting the factors that can drive meaningful change, Adeyemi suggested that quality education, exemplary leadership, economic empowerment, and robust infrastructure are crucial platforms for transformation. He stressed that leaders should consider their role as a call to serve the people rather than as a means to personal gain. This shift, he contended, would diminish the power gap and channel resources more equitably towards the betterment of society.
Drawing on his observations, Adeyemi underscored that democracy flourishes most prominently in countries where life and equality are valued. In such societies, the chasm between leaders and the led is diminished, with leadership understood as a responsibility to serve, rather than a ticket to privilege. This approach ensures that resources are directed towards the collective welfare, rather than being concentrated among a select few.
As Africa grapples with the ongoing challenge of coups, Adeyemi's insights call for a reevaluation of the continent's leadership paradigms. The path to progress, he suggests, lies in reshaping the ingrained cultural norms that perpetuate unequal power dynamics. By consciously embracing new values and behaviors, African nations can pave the way for a future that is defined by equity, development, and democratic stability.
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