There are several examples of political dynasties in Africa, including the Moi family, the Kenyattas and the Odingas in Kenya, the Gnassingbes in Togo, the Debys in Chad, the Bongos of Gabon, the Akufo-Addos of Ghana, and many more.
There are reports of South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir grooming his son, Thiik Mayardit, to take over from him in next year’s presidential election.
Observers say the practice, apart from promoting continuity within a family, only restricts power amid a few.
Are political dynasties beneficial?
Kenyan political analyst Martin Adat told DW that the concentration of political power in one family alone for years gives it massive influence and gradually turns political rule in a country into a monarchical system.
Adat rejected the usefulness of political dynasties in any form in any country. “It is not good because it means you deny the other people who would also have had an opportunity to be in power.”
