British newspaper: RB deserves to be on list of Africa’s big men

September 25, 2011 | Filed under: News | Posted by:

 By Ian Birrell

Zambia’s long-standing president stands down after losing an election… a sign that the continent’s fortunes might be changing for the better

Even in this remarkable year of uprisings and unpredictable events, it was an inspirational moment that revealed the pace of change sweeping Africa. The veteran leader of a country whose party had become entrenched in office and been plagued by corruption allegations handed over the presidency after losing an election.

In a continent where all too often presidents cling on to power by any means necessary, Zambia‘s Rupiah Banda conceded defeat on Friday with astonishing grace and dignity. “My generation, the generation of the independence struggle, must now give way to new ideas – ideas for the 21st century,” he said, with tears in his eyes.

His generous message of reconciliation and unity was greeted with relief in a former British colony that has been relatively stable since gaining independence, especially given flickers of violence sparked by slow counting of votes. After half a century in the public eye, the 74-year-old said he would go home to play with his children.

Banda deserves to be called one of Africa’s big men. His fine words offer the sharpest possible reproach to the generation that has dominated the political landscape of Africa with often such dreadful consequences.

The reluctance of these old men to leave office has scarred the continent, especially given their propensity to pillage their nations, eliminate rivals and clamp down on free expression. It is not just the obvious tyrants such as Robert Mugabe, 87 years old and still ruining Zimbabwe, and Teodoro Obiang, whose repressive kleptocracy in Equatorial Guinea is now the longest-standing government in Africa.

In supposed democracies such as Senegal and Cameroon, elderly men long past retirement age are gearing up for elections at which they intend to retain their grip on power. As Uganda’s veteran leader Yoweri Museveni once said, many of Africa’s problems are caused by leaders who overstay their welcome – although that was before he stole another election earlier this year, extending his 25-year rule and provoking unrest.

Slowly but surely, however, things are changing – as shown by Zambia. Michael Sata, the silver-tongued victor who once worked for British Rail, may himself be from the liberation generation but he harnessed the frustrations of the young. He presented himself as a champion of the poor and vowed to tackle both unemployment and undue Chinese influence. The challenge now is whether the charismatic “King Cobra” can deliver on his promises.

Africa is an amazingly young continent, with nearly two-thirds of the population under 24. The young people of sub-Saharan Africa, connected by their mobile phones, are just as fed up with corruption and indignity as the youths who sparked the Arab Spring.

Given the demographics, the desire for change is irresistible. Democracy is spreading across the entire continent, bringing peace and increased prosperity in its wake. It has been given a huge boost this weekend by an old man in Zambia throwing down a challenge to the generation that freed their nations from their colonial rulers.

The refusal of another president to give up power in the Ivory Coast provoked a civil war and huge media coverage. The actions of Mr Banda attracted minimal discussion. In the long run, however, they show the real face of a changing continent.

Courtesy of the Guardian: http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/sep/25/ian-birrell-zambia-president-hope?newsfeed=true

92 Responses to British newspaper: RB deserves to be on list of Africa’s big men

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  1. Its like you learn my thoughts! You appear to understand a lot approximately this, like you wrote the e-book in it or something. I think that you just could do with a few p.c. to power the message home a little bit, however other than that, that is excellent blog. An excellent read. I’ll certainly be back.

    News - December 29, 2011
    19:57

  2. Rupiah Banda showed not just maturity but leadership and the love for not only democracy but Zambia.He minced no words,he said it plainly that THE ZAMBIAN PEOPLE HAVE SPOKEN.He said it before the elections that he was going to accept the results if at all they went the other way and he did exactly that.A man of his word.Indeed,the man deserves respect and recognition as a statesman.

    BITTER PILL - September 28, 2011
    11:27

  3. While what President Banda is a good thing for Africa and Zambia, my view is that the story you have carried about Banda, though true, creates an impression as though Banda was president of Zambia for so many years. President Banda has only been in office for 3 years.

    Paul - September 28, 2011
    07:47

  4. @No in as much as it is true that educated people may have certain principles, if my assumption is correct in assuming that you are referring to handing over power, then I beg to differ because Robert Mugabe is probably the most educated President in Africa, with a string of degrees. Banda’s handover is as a result of having great character which does not necessarily come from education. Education gives you knowledge but not necessarily wisdom.

    kongizza - September 27, 2011
    23:19

  5. Let us just accept that someone did a good job and his time to go came and wisely he Graciously left. Why are some of you full of hate? I bet that soon Sata will be a subject of ridicule. People of Zambia, leaders come and go. Thats true democracy. None should be seen as a messiah. Yes he is man of action but even Hitler was man of action. Result, 6,000,000 Jews massacred. So to me, it depends on what you are calling action. False promises, sudden out-busts, making unnecessary orders etc are not actions.

    The Real Muntu - September 27, 2011
    14:53

  6. I am witness.

    Zambian - September 27, 2011
    14:50

  7. Personally i luk @ RB as gud gentle man bt nt a gud leader. Politically he wz da worst president Zambia has eva had. We welcum u SATA wit open arms. U r man of action & u’ll deliver. LONG LIVED SATA, LONG LIVED ZAMBIA.

    Agrippa Phiri - September 27, 2011
    12:05

  8. Voting for Sata ! Zambians have made the same mistake which Malawians made by voting Bakili Muluzi into power and have never been able to correct it. Just wait and see, you will start crying very soon !

    Chambulamaji Gumbo - September 27, 2011
    09:59

  9. Zambia’s long-standing president ????? The man has been in power for 3years… Anyway, it is good to note.

    1MO - September 27, 2011
    06:56

  10. bless zambia God.

    mwazi - September 26, 2011
    18:26

  11. To those who did not know the kind of person he was,its a pity you are knowing now.When you are good you are good and you can not forse a horse to drink water,just as you can not teach an old dog new tricks.Dr Rupiah Bwezani Banda just showed you the kind of aperson he actually is.Take leave and enjoy your package RB and watch how your succesor strugles to meet the false promises he was making which only convinced some miners,unemployed and all taxi drivers,unthankfull civil servants,police men/women and illiterate kabovas .RB you are the man .

    janks - September 26, 2011
    17:28

  12. Surely this is a great score on democracy in not only zambia but Africa as a whole> it sends good massage across the world to would be investors. We have shocked the world. I salute RB on this one

    chimpuno - September 26, 2011
    17:11

  13. dear ou former president, i have see nothing wrong with your leadership qualities, your were the father of the nation. may God bless you.

    dick lungu - September 26, 2011
    14:34

  14. Ian Birell is as mixed up as the young zambian voters the catholic church has rallied to remove rb and put sata.who they have backed since 2001. How can rb be described as longstanding. the has barely been up there three years. he is the shortest standing and the best performed of all presidents.it will soon dawn upon zambians that presidents of rb’s type dont come easily!

    birima - September 26, 2011
    14:03

  15. Hats off for former president RB. His act of letting go of power is admirable. Especially for most of there africa leaders who’d rather see their people suffer than them retire.

    MM - September 26, 2011
    13:08

  16. WHY SHOULD HE BE A GOOD MAN AFTER THE CHAOS HE HAVE DONE TO ZAMBIA? ABASH RB THE BRTISH WHAT EVER…….

    PEACE LOVER - September 26, 2011
    13:03

  17. Only small minds are congratulating the old play boy for doing what he was supposed to do. He never did anyone a favor he just did himself a big favor and avoided the-Gbagbo-embarrassment. We the youths that put Sata in government would want to warn His Excellence against shielding thieves from prosecution. Who doesn’t know that he’s sons were indirectly ruling us, they even wanted to take over FAZ as well his son in Italy impossed Bonnet on our team, they sponsored Kamanga(RB’s nephew) to unsettle Kalu and his team. they must be punished

    msana wanzili - September 26, 2011
    13:01

  18. Well, so much to be said: I suppose the author meant to say ‘long-standing party”. As for RB he has put African scarred politcs in good standing. I salute you big man, in spite of your mistakes and weaknesses (which every president has) you have done Zambia and Africa proud. May God help you to focus on a good and meaningful retirement

    TM Beebe - September 26, 2011
    12:39

  19. I salute RB, call him whatever names, he conceded defeat and in his hour of defeat he united us Zambians. Love him or hate him, it was honourable of him and he led this Country well despite some gray spots some may have noticed. I believe true leadership resides in building even though you may not do everything correctly. To Sata, I say thank you and congratulations for never giving up, it is the best lesson I have learntt from HE. I am yet to see how well he delivers and for him to do that he needs a united Zambia, a united workforce a United us citizens of this one country callled Zambia. Please as fellow citizens, the message is desist from preaching hate, preach love,reconciliation and above all focus to the future.

    Albert Edward Chivweta - September 26, 2011
    12:27

  20. KK father of Zambia and he shall always be the father of the nation

    Bonse - September 26, 2011
    12:21

  21. Fellow Zambians, lets give credit where it is due. RB deserves a pat on the back. Sata has long stood condemning almost every aspect of what the former govt stood for. He has given himself enough rope to hang himself. Now we as the people have put him in power; Lets see if he is going to stand up to our expectations as National leader and not a governor of a district nor a minister. But seriously, he needs alot more of image building than RB needed. The dressing, the conduct and those public out-bursts, the frivolity in the language must go… He is a national leader now, not PF…

    Regards…

    Matimba Kanenga - September 26, 2011
    11:38

  22. Victory has many fathers and defeat is always an orphan. Even the most beutiful song has an end. RB you are the Man, a true statesman history will judge you fairly. Go well my friend

    Curry Muncher Patel - September 26, 2011
    11:36

  23. Fellow Zambians, lets give credit where it is due. RB deserves a pat on the back. Sata has long stood condemning almost every aspect of what the former govt stood for. He has given himself enough rope to hang himself. Now we as the people have put him in power; Lets see if he is going to stand up to our expectations as National leader and a governor of a district or a minister. But seriously, he needs alot of image building than RB needed. The dressing, the conduct and those public out-bursts, the frivolity in the language must go… He is a national leader now, not PF…

    Matimba Kanenga - September 26, 2011
    11:32

  24. Thank you RB for ensuring that peace and stability continues.

    PFM - September 26, 2011
    10:58

  25. Real maturity for Zambians! Belief in the ballot and not the bullet. When your time comes, Please President Sata graciously as RB has demonstrated. Do not reinstate the Third Term bid. God bless Zambia. Amen. Sachi (Kampala)

    Sachi - September 26, 2011
    10:50

  26. Rubbish he doesnt deserve it, he was son uncaring buy 5000 bicyle, 100 toyota hilux, maccopolos, canters, just for his campagns. what a careless leader we had, bye bye RUBBISH BIN BAMBA.
    VIVA H.E MC SATA.

    MMc Chilebabes - September 26, 2011
    09:53

  27. The refusal of another president to give up power in the Ivory Coast provoked a civil war and huge media coverage. The actions of Mr Banda attracted minimal discussion. In the long run, however, they show the real face of a changing continent.

    It just shows the BBC, the West and the big nations are not interested in peace in Africa. All they want to report is bloodshead, war and hunger. Maybe they have a plan.
    Anywhere, God Bless Zambia, God Bless our new President and it’s Goverment and not forgeting our founding Farther KK. ONE ZAMBIA ONE NATION.

    Meebelo Lubinda - September 26, 2011
    09:44

  28. Thats was his obligation to hand over power, was he doing us any favour? i dont think so!

    pac - September 26, 2011
    09:16

  29. I do agee with you. RB deserves commendation. African and Arab leaders find it difficult to concede defeat and eventually handing over power. As for me, he deserves to be respected. I pray that our God continues to give him good health.

    bernard chisanga - September 26, 2011
    08:28

  30. Democracy is about power to the people and by the people. Us the people of Zambia have fired and hired. A lesson to new leaders that arrogance rewards negatively! We are looking forward to the five years of probation for PF before we think of confirming them or terminate contract with them in 2016.

    Shamujivumo - September 26, 2011
    08:21

  31. Away with negative comments, Am not even RB supporter but let us Zambian give credit were it supposed to be given.I do salute RB for the maturity he has shown us.God bless Zambia.

    Uncle T - September 26, 2011
    08:13

  32. RB despite all your short comings during your reign and even the flawed conduct of elections which was tailored to make you continue, this one sensible gesture will make a huge contribution to your legacy.

    As a fist time voter in this election and ne who was tottaly oppossed to you and your policies, you earned my respect and honour the moment you conceded with grace and went ahead to hand over power to Michael Chilufya Sata. You broke down, yes, but that was human, who wouldnt under those circumstances, only thing you missed was to take that opportunity to amke a general apology to Zambians for anything you may have done wrong, you didnt need to be specific!!!

    Mpinganjira Zeb - September 26, 2011
    08:09

  33. He knows what he was crying for, he knows the harm he has done the Zambian people, RP Capitals/Zamtel sale, Sale of finance Bank at a give away price,awarding of contracts to his sons and friends,single sourcing, Abuse of public resources, buying mmd campaign materials and vehicles using tax payers money, failed zambian constitution, the man is in maningi troubles. As for Dora Silly reality has dawned on her and let government machinary handle her.

    The disturbed - September 26, 2011
    07:26

  34. Not sure how a three year reign can be called ‘longstanding’. We salute Mr Banda.

    observing From The Terrace - September 26, 2011
    05:13

  35. BBC DON’T BE FOOLED, THE MAN WAS CRYING FOR SWEET POWER, COULD NOT BELIEVE THAT ZAMBIANS HAVE KICKED HIM OUT AFTER ONLY 3 YEARS! THE WORST PLUNDERER OF THEM ALL AND AS MY GOOD FRIEND PUT IT HE HAD PUT HIS PRESIDENTIAL SEAL ON THE COVER OF THE MMD CORRUPTION GUIDELINES. GOOD RIDDENCE!

    nkalakate - September 25, 2011
    22:21

  36. Mr banda was a good president i salute him

    KHADAFI - September 25, 2011
    21:11

  37. Simon Mfula, you have alot of wisdom in you.

    wezi Mhone - September 25, 2011
    21:10

  38. Good lesson to SADC and AU .

    Luckson - September 25, 2011
    20:10

  39. Nafuti nafuti, kwi ? Bye bye corrupt bwezani!

    T.c.sikiti - September 25, 2011
    16:07

  40. There is no way Britain can condemn H.E.Ruphia Banda.tILL Zambians under understand the differences in economic ideologies they support even a party whose existence exploits them negatively.Let us wait and see what PF will achieve.Yes it will take them time to repair the damage as most techinocrats were schooled to manage foreign affairs against Zambains

    Simon Mfula - September 25, 2011
    14:56

  41. GOD BLESS THE EVER PEACEFUL REPUBLIC OF ZAMBIA!

    Katiya Toonse - September 25, 2011
    14:41

  42. . Well noted, BUT THE REAL HERO IS KK = CHRONIC PEACE MAKER.
    HE TAUGHT BOTH RB AND SATA AND CONTINUES TO DISTILL SENSE INTO THEM BOTH – WHAT A TEACHER!
    . IT IS KK WHO DESERVES THE ACCOLADES MORE, FOR HE INSTILLED INTO US ZAMBIANS THE SPIRIT OF [ONE ZAMBIA, ONE NATION].
    . WITH UNIQUE MAGNANIMITY, SATA WILL SURPRISE ALL THE DOUBTING THOMAS

    . GOD BLESS, GOD BLESS AFRICA, GOD BLESS THE WORLD!

    Katiya Toonse - September 25, 2011
    14:39

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