Africa’s Gerontocracy Where Yesterday’s Leaders Guard Tomorrow’s Gates

African politics today wrestles with an old shadow wearing a new cloak: gerontocracy, a system where the walking sticks of yesterday still lean heavily on the throne of today.

While the drumbeat of change echoes through cities and villages alike, leadership remains the domain of elders whose time, some argue, should have long passed like last season’s rain. This yawning gap between those who lead and those who live the future is no small matter, especially on a continent where over 60% of the people are not yet 25, complete of fire, dreams, and untapped power.

It’s like asking the tortoise to run the relay race while the cheetah waits on the bench.

As Africa sheds colonial legacies and steps into the digital age, its youth are no longer content to clap from the sidelines while decisions are made by those who may no longer feel the pulse of the present. The stubborn grip of ageing leadership stirs tough questions: Who truly speaks for the future? Can a tree still bear fresh fruit when its roots no longer reach the waters of today? And how long can this imbalance dance before the music changes?

The Historical Roots of Gerontocracy in Africa

The roots of gerontocracy in Africa stretch back to traditional societies, where elders were revered for their wisdom, life experience, and ability to connect with ancestral knowledge. Councils of elders often wielded significant political and social influence, making age synonymous with authority. These traditions were later reinforced during colonisation, as colonial powers frequently co-opted or manipulated these structures to maintain control.

After independence, this reverence for older leaders carried into postcolonial politics, with many of Africa’s founders assuming power. Leaders like Julius Nyerere of Tanzania embodied the dual role of elder statesman and revolutionary hero, navigating their countries through the early years of sovereignty. Yet, as some leaders clung to power for decades, the virtues associated with age, wisdom, experience, and stability gave way to concerns about rigidity, ideological stagnation, and an inability to address the continent’s rapidly changing realities.

From Liberation Icons to Long Serving Leaders

Post independence, many leaders emerged as symbols of liberation and hope, but their extended rule often revealed the darker side of gerontocracy.

Robert Mugabe in Zimbabwe exemplifies this paradox. Initially hailed as a liberation hero, his 37-year presidency ultimately became a cautionary tale of authoritarianism, economic decline, and human rights abuses. Mugabe’s refusal to relinquish power, coupled with outdated policies, stifled progress and disillusioned younger generations.

Similarly, Paul Biya in Cameroon (in power since 1982) and Yoweri Museveni in Uganda (since 1986) once presented themselves as reformers. Still, their prolonged rule has been characterised by increasing authoritarianism, limited economic growth, and suppression of dissent. These leaders’ longevity in office often stifles political innovation and creates generational disconnects, as younger citizens whose realities differ significantly from those of their leaders feel increasingly alienated.

Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea, Africa’s longest serving president, has ruled since 1979. While his government touts stability, his extended tenure highlights the dangers of political stagnation and suppression of opposition. Under Obiang’s rule, dissent has been systematically quashed, perpetuating a regime that prioritises survival over reform.

In contrast, leaders like Nelson Mandela in South Africa demonstrated that elder politicians could champion progress without overstaying their welcome. Mandela’s decision to step down after one term set a powerful example of responsible governance and respect for democratic principles.

Constitutional Manipulation: A Tool of Gerontocracy

Many long serving African leaders have relied on constitutional amendments to prolong their tenure, eroding democratic norms in the process.

• In Uganda, Yoweri Museveni’s government removed presidential term limits in 2005 and later abolished age restrictions in 2017, allowing him to extend his rule indefinitely.
• In Cameroon, Paul Biya secured a similar removal of term limits in 2008, ensuring his continued grip on power.
• In Togo, Faure Gnassingbé amended the constitution to extend his rule, following in the footsteps of his father, Gnassingbé Eyadéma, who governed for nearly 40 years.
• In Burundi, Pierre Nkurunziza’s controversial bid for a third term in 2015 sparked violent protests, underscoring the dangers of constitutional manipulation.

Such actions undermine democratic principles and often lead to political unrest, as citizens increasingly reject systems that prioritise the interests of ageing elites over the aspirations of a younger, more dynamic population.

The Youthful Majority and the Tensions of Gerontocracy

Africa’s demographic reality, a population dominated by young people, stands in sharp contrast to its ageing leadership. This disconnect breeds frustration among younger generations, who feel excluded from decision-making processes and underrepresented in governance.

Youth led movements across the continent reflect growing dissatisfaction with gerontocracy. In countries like Uganda, Nigeria, and Sudan, young activists have mobilised against entrenched leadership, demanding change, accountability, and policies that address issues such as unemployment, education, and access to technology.

For example, the #EndSARS protests in Nigeria highlighted not just police brutality but also broader grievances about governance and the lack of opportunities for young people. Similarly, protests in Sudan led to the ousting of longtime leader Omar al-Bashir, showcasing the power of youth movements to challenge entrenched regimes.

Economic and Social Implications of Gerontocracy

Prolonged leadership often perpetuates economic stagnation and hinders the development of innovative policies. Many long-serving leaders prioritise maintaining power over addressing systemic issues such as unemployment, poverty, and inequality.

In Uganda and Cameroon, for instance, economic growth has been uneven, with limited opportunities for the youth. The disconnect between ageing leaders and younger populations often results in policies that fail to reflect contemporary challenges, such as climate change, digital transformation, and the changing nature of work.

Moreover, gerontocracy often exacerbates corruption and nepotism, as leaders rely on patronage networks to maintain their authority. This concentration of power and wealth among ageing elites further alienates younger citizens and deepens economic inequalities.

Balancing Experience and Innovation

While the experience of elder politicians can provide stability and continuity, Africa’s political systems must evolve to reflect the continent’s demographic realities. The challenge lies in finding a balance between leveraging the wisdom of older leaders and creating space for younger, more dynamic voices to influence governance.

Key reforms to address gerontocracy include:

1. Strengthening Democratic Institutions: Ensuring term limits are upheld and preventing constitutional manipulation is critical to fostering leadership turnover.
2. Youth Participation in Politics: Encouraging young people to run for office and participate in governance will help bridge the generational divide.
3. Investing in Leadership Development: Mentorship programs and leadership training initiatives can prepare the next generation of African leaders to take on governance roles.
4. Addressing Structural Barriers: Tackling issues such as corruption and political patronage will create a more level playing field for young leaders.

Towards Inclusive Governance

Though gerontocracy may have roots deep in Africa’s historical and cultural soil where age once walked hand-in-hand with wisdom, today, it finds itself limping behind the drumbeat of a new Africa. The continent’s young are no longer content to be seen and not heard; they are rising like the morning sun, demanding leadership that reflects their fire, not their grandfather’s shadow.

Africa is now a land where the ground shakes not with the footsteps of the old, but with the restless energy of the youth, a generation whose ideas run faster than the gazelle and whose vision stretches farther than the vulture’s flight. Yet, many of its political systems still cling to a past where power sits like an ancient chief on a stool too heavy to share.

The future of Africa’s political stability and development hangs like ripe fruit ready to be plucked, but only by hands willing to climb the tree of change. If the continent is to avoid becoming a house divided between the wisdom of yesterday and the hunger of tomorrow, it must embrace the rhythm of leadership renewal.

By opening doors for younger generations to lead not just tomorrow but today, Africa can turn its greatest resource into its greatest strength. For a nation that ignores its youth is like a farmer who refuses to plant in season and then wonders why his barn is empty when the rains come.