Africa needs to fix continent, richest people are politicians

[Gozie51]

I assume you are of the opinion that the wealth of politicians is not accounted for and they are not put on the list of richest people, because the top recorded richest people in Africa are not actually politicians, but business oriented individuals, like in all other parts of the world.

Corruption on the other hand is a known issue which is faced by all nations, but is high in some African countries and negatively affects the populace.

You are wrong. The politicians hide their wealth, so it is not known to anyone. On the other hand, the businessmen can't hide their wealth since they deal with publicly traded corporations or private ventures which undergo third party audit. The politicians mostly get their wealth in the form of lobbying or bribes and this is done in a discrete manner, through offshore accounts. For example, the total wealth of Muammar Gaddafi before he was overthrown was estimated at $200 billion. Hosni Mubarak was worth an estimated $70 billion. Ibrahim Babangida of Nigeria managed to steal $13 billion from the Nigerian oil revenue in just one year (1992). No African businessmen will come close to these people in terms of wealth.

But in true sense of it can we really take corrupt government officials who have amassed public wealth to be theirs and we put them in Forbes list or Guinness record as richest people ? That is a No. You only identify those who have real businesses with addresses and offices . Also the real business people add to the growth of the economy because they employ individuals and better theirs lives but politicians hardly have genuine businesses. They push money away to other countries and build houses there because of the fear of being known at the home front. This is a sad story for Africa and that is why growth is eluding the third world countries, endemic corruption is a worse thing.

[paxmao]

There are many different countries in Africa and their are not all the same for sure, but I reckon that is a beautiful and very fuc*ed up continent. The people in general are not ready for self-government due to the low educational levels - again in general - and the world powers are basically fighting over who takes more resources out of the people´s hands in many places. The only option left for many is to scape or join the regimes.

The only thing that I think would help is if Africans that live in western or powerful countries demand help for their nations and I think the first priority would be education and safety.

[iphone5s]

        Forget Dangote and the rest of the billionaires, the richest people in Africa are politicians. Africans need to reevaluate and rethink their system, so much power is given to the politicians and without any checks or balances. How can an ex-governor not be tried in court for his mischievous activities because there is a written document that said so who signed the documents is it the populace? They loot millions of dollars and stack them up for their families whereas the masses are suffering.
        They even go as far as banning the trading of cryptocurrencies because they feel people might benefit from it. When the world is enjoying it. African needs to be taken to the hospital and given proper treatment because they are moving backward. More strength to their youth as many are still thriving in the harsh environment.

The greediness of everyone who sits in the government is ingrained to compete to be the one who has it all. it is true that I heard the news about it. If you Are a class of rich people maybe you can survive with what happened in Africa but in contrast to people who are difficult to find food everyday. Apocalypse is in front of your eyes.

[sapnu]

        Forget Dangote and the rest of the billionaires, the richest people in Africa are politicians. Africans need to reevaluate and rethink their system, so much power is given to the politicians and without any checks or balances. How can an ex-governor not be tried in court for his mischievous activities because there is a written document that said so who signed the documents is it the populace? They loot millions of dollars and stack them up for their families whereas the masses are suffering.
        They even go as far as banning the trading of cryptocurrencies because they feel people might benefit from it. When the world is enjoying it. African needs to be taken to the hospital and given proper treatment because they are moving backward. More strength to their youth as many are still thriving in the harsh environment.

Power tripping is still evident in all kinds of government, not onlu in Africa. Considering the poverty and famine being experienced by that country, heartless politicians still continues to milk from the country's natural resources and abused manpower. Instead of spreading the wealth of the country towards each community, they chose to put it in their pocket as their stomach gets full whilst children outside are dying from malnutrition or heat stroke even for the elders. As long as this kind of system continues, there will be more live at stake that may not be saved so let us hope for the best for this country.

[dothebeats]

You also have religious leaders as among the richest in Africa but that's another topic. The problem stems from the general populace's poor choices when it comes to electing officials. They just elect whoever they think will help them in a swift manner, and not someone that is really going to help them in the long run. Same as most poverty-stricken countries today, most of them elect officials that knows nothing about governing their people, or just elect someone that is a popular figure in the country without even knowing the law.

It really can't be helped as long as the poor isn't educated about the importance of choosing who is to take the helm of governing the country or their regions.

[Vishnu.Reang]

You also have religious leaders as among the richest in Africa but that's another topic. The problem stems from the general populace's poor choices when it comes to electing officials. They just elect whoever they think will help them in a swift manner, and not someone that is really going to help them in the long run. Same as most poverty-stricken countries today, most of them elect officials that knows nothing about governing their people, or just elect someone that is a popular figure in the country without even knowing the law.

It really can't be helped as long as the poor isn't educated about the importance of choosing who is to take the helm of governing the country or their regions.

One of the reasons why Africa is so poor is due to the popularity of foreign religions. Both Christianity and Islam have managed to wipe out the native religions and traditions. And now the competition between various religious sects (all of them foreign) are very common in the continent and every year tens of thousands die as a result. On the other hand, the religious leaders lead a life of luxury. Pastor David Olaniyi Oyedepo is believed to be worth billions of $$$ (although officially his wealth stands at just $150 million), while a majority of those who attend his church earn less than $2 per day. He owns 4 private jets and has luxury real estate properties in the UK and the US. Bishop Allan Kiuna of Kenya is having a net worth of $4.6 billion.

[wxa7115]

       Forget Dangote and the rest of the billionaires, the richest people in Africa are politicians. Africans need to reevaluate and rethink their system, so much power is given to the politicians and without any checks or balances. How can an ex-governor not be tried in court for his mischievous activities because there is a written document that said so who signed the documents is it the populace? They loot millions of dollars and stack them up for their families whereas the masses are suffering.
        They even go as far as banning the trading of cryptocurrencies because they feel people might benefit from it. When the world is enjoying it. African needs to be taken to the hospital and given proper treatment because they are moving backward. More strength to their youth as many are still thriving in the harsh environment.

You need to understand that what we see in many countries in the African continent is not democracy and instead it is just a bad parody of it.

When that happens and the government does not perform its main functions which are to keep people safe from internal and external threats and to enforce contracts then this is what happens, there is no incentive at all for people to create as everything can be taken away from them and the only way to make money is by becoming a politician and steal all the money that you can, this perpetuates the cycle and once you are in that kind of cycle it is almost impossible to get out of it.

[7788bitcoin]

They even go as far as banning the trading of cryptocurrencies because they feel people might benefit from it. When the world is enjoying it. African needs to be taken to the hospital and given proper treatment because they are moving backward. More strength to their youth as many are still thriving in the harsh environment.

I have no idea how anyone would find a solution in situations like these and you need a revolutionary change, you have given politicians more power and the people are not auditing what they are doing and depending upon the country there will be general elections and you need to stand up for your rights and vote for the appropriate candidate rather than making one individual sit in the throne for a long time.

[lixer]

        Forget Dangote and the rest of the billionaires, the richest people in Africa are politicians. Africans need to reevaluate and rethink their system, so much power is given to the politicians and without any checks or balances. How can an ex-governor not be tried in court for his mischievous activities because there is a written document that said so who signed the documents is it the populace? They loot millions of dollars and stack them up for their families whereas the masses are suffering.
        They even go as far as banning the trading of cryptocurrencies because they feel people might benefit from it. When the world is enjoying it. African needs to be taken to the hospital and given proper treatment because they are moving backward. More strength to their youth as many are still thriving in the harsh environment.

I understand a situation like this, and I really think it’s high time that the people rise up and fight for what’s right. Though from my observation, based on things that I have seen happen in those places, their youths are usually divided and that means they can easily be distracted. And their politicians are always looking for ways to outsmart them at all times.

I think any day they all decides to come together and fight for what’s theirs, they are sure going to be unstoppable. If they keep voting these rich men, they are not going to help them, because most of their leaders are just interested in their selfish needs, they only come to loot money from their countries and that’s it. So people really needs to say a NO to all that.

[yhiaali3]

Yes, the corrupt rulers and politicians are the ones who control the people in Africa and the poor countries. They do not care about the people or their suffering. All that matters to them is to fill their pockets of the corrupt money that they steal from the people, so they make decisions that keep power and money in their hands while the poor people suffer.
But despite this, I believe that Bitcoin has given poor people a window of hope to obtain their financial freedom and get rid of the unjust restrictions that the rulers impose on the poor people, despite all the laws that try to ban Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies, but people can still do so and overcome all these difficulties.

[SaShiRaJaVu]

Yes, the corrupt rulers and politicians are the ones who control the people in Africa and the poor countries. They do not care about the people or their suffering. All that matters to them is to fill their pockets of the corrupt money that they steal from the people, so they make decisions that keep power and money in their hands while the poor people suffer.

Most of the countries are corrupted to the core and the politicians will not change as the greed of making more money is their ultimate motive and hence they keep accumulating millions while the country remains poor.

But despite this, I believe that Bitcoin has given poor people a window of hope to obtain their financial freedom and get rid of the unjust restrictions that the rulers impose on the poor people, despite all the laws that try to ban Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies, but people can still do so and overcome all these difficulties.

Bitcoin is supposed to help create a market without restrictions but there are many hurdles to overcome to obtain the financial freedom they want including free trade and commerce globally and if a country bans the use then it is hard for them to use bitcoin in trade and commerce and it will be used just as an speculative asset.

[Johnyz]

Corruptions will never be stopped on that continent or on any part of the world because that’s already part of politicians, I’m so sorry for the Africans for being left behind in terms of so many things. Someone should stoop up who has a clear conscience to serve people and to help Africa to become great unfortunately, politics are still powerful and most of then rules the country for years now, and after that the other family will be placed on that position. People should find their way out of poverty, don’t depend too much on your corrupt government because they’ll not help you.

[Princejebs]

Don't forget Dangote
He must be included among politicians and I have my reasons for not excluding him.
Dangote is a business man and the same time a politician. A very monopolistic billionaire always have his ways of playing around the current government and has his ways with his company and there by oppressing the common industry who could not meet his level.
African as whole especially Nigerians need to wake up from the slumber they have been since the sixties, we can't continue to rule by those who are only interested on their friends and families.

[Twinkledoe]

Corruptions will never be stopped on that continent or on any part of the world because that’s already part of politicians, I’m so sorry for the Africans for being left behind in terms of so many things. Someone should stoop up who has a clear conscience to serve people and to help Africa to become great unfortunately, politics are still powerful and most of then rules the country for years now, and after that the other family will be placed on that position. People should find their way out of poverty, don’t depend too much on your corrupt government because they’ll not help you.

Depending on the government will not provide the things that you wanted to achieve in life. They need to elect a fresh blood but don't know what it would take for that to happen. But for the moment, if you are residing in that region, just help yourself out of poverty. Maybe in some ways, you can be of help to your countrymen like giving jobs and such. Corruption is everywhere and it is up to you how you will change your fate in life.

[samcrypto]

Corruptions will never be stopped on that continent or on any part of the world because that’s already part of politicians, I’m so sorry for the Africans for being left behind in terms of so many things. Someone should stoop up who has a clear conscience to serve people and to help Africa to become great unfortunately, politics are still powerful and most of then rules the country for years now, and after that the other family will be placed on that position. People should find their way out of poverty, don’t depend too much on your corrupt government because they’ll not help you.

Depending on the government will not provide the things that you wanted to achieve in life. They need to elect a fresh blood but don't know what it would take for that to happen. But for the moment, if you are residing in that region, just help yourself out of poverty. Maybe in some ways, you can be of help to your countrymen like giving jobs and such. Corruption is everywhere and it is up to you how you will change your fate in life.

Electing new politicians is fine but its just a temporary solution to end corruption because on their middle term, I’m pretty sure they’ll start suspicious deals and the cycle of corruption continues. The poverty will end if you stop depending on your government and start working for your dreams, African nation should not be limited on what their government is setting for them, they have to look beyond that.

[DigitalFox]

Corrupt politicians won't disappear in the foreseeable future. After all they're all bought by transnational corporations who finance their election campaigns in return for new juicy contracts, mining licenses, concessions etc. And if someone independent comes to power then we see a "lack of democracy" scenario with another "flower revolution" or whatever they call them now. Where are people in this picture? Right, no one gives a damn about them.

[doomistake]

        Forget Dangote and the rest of the billionaires, the richest people in Africa are politicians. Africans need to reevaluate and rethink their system, so much power is given to the politicians and without any checks or balances. How can an ex-governor not be tried in court for his mischievous activities because there is a written document that said so who signed the documents is it the populace? They loot millions of dollars and stack them up for their families whereas the masses are suffering.
        They even go as far as banning the trading of cryptocurrencies because they feel people might benefit from it. When the world is enjoying it. African needs to be taken to the hospital and given proper treatment because they are moving backward. More strength to their youth as many are still thriving in the harsh environment.

Africa belongs to the top 10 poorest countries in the world. It saddens me that they are part of the list because as far as I've read, Africa is rich in natural resources. So how come that many people from their country are suffering from poverty?

One answer I can think of is that the government in their country does not know how to handle their resources. Their government must prioritize their citizens because that's what they oathed during the day they were officially elected and appointed in their positions. Unfortunately, most politicians are greedy. Instead of prioritizing the welfare of their constituents, they put their self-interest at the top.

According to statistics, more than a quarter of the hungry population resides in Africa. Most people living there are classified as malnourished because they lack a nutritional food supply and even potable drinking water. Meanwhile, the politicians are savoring their wealthy lifestyle while all else falls apart onto the poor. I just hope people will be wiser next time to not repeat the mistake of electing greedy and corrupt politicians that make their life more difficult.

[Sithara007]

Corrupt politicians won't disappear in the foreseeable future. After all they're all bought by transnational corporations who finance their election campaigns in return for new juicy contracts, mining licenses, concessions etc. And if someone independent comes to power then we see a "lack of democracy" scenario with another "flower revolution" or whatever they call them now. Where are people in this picture? Right, no one gives a damn about them.

Africans have a tendency to elect leader based on their ethnicity and religion, and this means that a lot of corrupt people are elected to power. And in case where they are unable to get elected, they will just stage a military coup and seize power.

Here is the map of different regime types in the world:

As you can see, with a few exceptions such as Syria and Myanmar, the vast majority of the military dictatorships in the world are from Africa.

[DigitalFox]

Here is the map of different regime types in the world:

As you can see, with a few exceptions such as Syria and Myanmar, the vast majority of the military dictatorships in the world are from Africa.

This map carries a lot of incorrect information, I wonder who created it. Besides, it's over 10 years old.

[Lorence.xD]

Corrupt politicians won't disappear in the foreseeable future. After all they're all bought by transnational corporations who finance their election campaigns in return for new juicy contracts, mining licenses, concessions etc. And if someone independent comes to power then we see a "lack of democracy" scenario with another "flower revolution" or whatever they call them now. Where are people in this picture? Right, no one gives a damn about them.

If we don't raise a generation any different from the generation that raised us then corruption isn't going to go anywhere. And if people that will precede this corrupt people is going to do a different thing and not be corrupted then corruption is going to be destroyed slowly but surely.