Former President Ian Khama Launches Blistering Attack on African Leadership, Labels Tanzanian President “Illegitimate
GABORONE, Botswana – In a sweeping condemnation of continental governance, former Botswana President Ian Khama has decried what he terms as profound leadership failures in Africa, singling out the leaders of Tanzania and Cameroon for sharp criticism.
Khama launched his most direct attack against Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, whom he declared “illegitimate.” He accused her of rigging the October 28 presidential election and using state force to suppress political dissent.
“I do not recognise the person who was inaugurated as the President of Tanzania. She is an illegitimate president,” Khama was quoted as saying by the Daily Nation.
The former Botswanan leader also turned his fire towards Cameroon’s long-serving President, Paul Biya. Khama condemned the recent swearing-in of the 92-year-old Biya, who has ruled the central African nation for over four decades, as emblematic of a damaging trend on the continent.
Khama’s broadside highlighted a deeper concern with what he described as a systemic pattern of African leaders clinging to power. He pointed to the use of repression, election manipulation, and the intimidation of opposition figures as common tactics employed to maintain control, stifling democracy and development.
The forceful critique from a respected former head of state adds a significant voice to ongoing debates about democratic backsliding and presidential term limits in Africa. Khama, who stepped down in 2018 after serving his full two terms, is known for his outspoken stance on governance issues and presents a stark contrast to the leaders he has condemned.
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