African politics for long has been characterised with dictatorship as many leaders are known to hold on to their throne for as many years are they are alive. However this is quickly changing as rival opposition leaders are shocking nations with the news of their win
- ADAMA BARROW
Yahya Jammeh, The Gambia’s authoritarian president of 22 years, suffered a surprise defeat in the country’s presidential elections when he was replaced by property developer Adama Barrow, who won more than 45% of the vote. After his win, Mr Barrow hailed a “new Gambia”.
Mr Jammeh, who came to power in a coup in 1994.The West African state has not had a smooth transfer of power since independence from Britain in 1965.
2. AKUFO-ADDO
Ghana’s main opposition leader Nana Akufo-Addo won the country’s national election, defeating President John Mahama, electoral commissioner Charlotte Osei said.
Speaking to Al Jazeera, Akufo-Addo explained what he believed to be the hopes and expectations of Ghanaians: “The expectations they have of me, that I’m gonna bring them a new government, a new style; a government of honesty, a government that is concerned about the welfare of our people – that basic commitment is the one I am determined to fulfill.”
3. MUHAMMADU BUHARI
Goodluck Jonathan conceded defeat to Muhammadu Buhari, paving the way for an unprecedented peaceful transfer of power in Africa’s most populous nation.
It was the first time in Nigeria’s history that an opposition party democratically took control of the country from the ruling party – a sign of the West African nation’s maturing young democracy. Jonathan’s party had governed since decades of military dictatorship ended in 1999.
4. FELIX TSHISEKEDI
Democratic Republic of Congo opposition leader Felix Tshisekedi has won the long-delayed presidential election, the electoral commission announced early on Thursday to the surprise of many, as the vast country braced for possible protests over alleged rigging.
This is DRC’s first peaceful, democratic transfer of power since independence in 1960. Kabila has ruled since 2001 in the troubled nation rich in the minerals key to smartphones around the world and has amassed vast wealth. He is barred from serving three consecutive terms, but during more than two years of election delays many Congolese feared he’d find a way to stay in office.