DOI: 10.36347/sjahss.2016.v04i10.013

Pages: 1324-1330

Abstract: This paper articulates the need for a paradigm shift from transactional to transformational leadership in Africa. Over the past 5 decades most of African countries have experienced a lot of political instability that has posed great danger to economic growth and development. There has been systematic violation of human rights by leaders occupying positions of power without thinking of the adverse effects to the African states. It’s evident that in most countries in Africa that have had little or no democratic space due to existence of strong men in offices, they have consistently inconsistently been experiencing aggravating levels of poverty characterized by low standards of living, poor health and sanitation, poor housing and lack of access to social amenities. This kind of leadership that only serves the purpose of the status quo and not the public interest is mainly referred to as transactional leadership. Some African presidents have created tendencies of use of propaganda, blackmailing, threatening opposing forces as a tool to perpetually keep their regimes relevant through use of coercive powers. These strong men also exercise reward powers to reward their cronies and also make use of elite cooptation to silence the voice of the masses. Recently over 3 East Africa countries through use of instruments of power altered their constitutions so as to legitimate their perpetual greed of power to lead. Africa ought to rethink and replace strong men in office with creating a conducive and favorable political environment that facilitates the building of strong institutions through effective legislations in parliament that protects all independent institutions that have autonomy of exercising their powers in accordance with the constitution. This will nurture democracy and create confidence amongst the citizens of a given country and also ensure economic and development due to political stability and prevent abuse of power by greedy and selfish leaders.