Getting rich is supposed to be a reward for availing a certain good, service, or skill. Yet this is not the case in Africa. Our richest people are our politicians. Now, the motive of seeking leadership positions is no longer about service to fellow man, but rather, how rich one can get.
Take Equatorial Guinea President Theodora Nguema for example. His country discovered oil in the 80s. His bank coffers started filling in. On paper, Equatorial Guinea, with a per capita income of $40,000 is supposed to be richer than Great Britain. Yet, this is not the reality on the ground. The son of the President lives in a palatial residence in France, and owns a multi million dollar yatch.
Take another example. Former DR Congo strongman Mobutu Sese Seko. He used to lend campaign funds to European Presidents and Prime Ministers. His children were day scholars in France, even as the country's schools were in bad state. His fortune was worth billions of dollars. With the help of Europeans and Americans, he plundered DR Congo like personal property, much like what Belgium king Leopold did in the 1880s.
Take another example. Kenyan MPs. They increased their salaries at the very first sitting of parliament. This makes them among the highest paid parliamentarians in the world, richer than even what American lawmakers make. Yet, Kenya is 40 times poorer than America.
Until leadership will be defined by more of service rather than personal enrichment, we will continue to be underdeveloped.
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