Presidential terms UP for many African dictators: But will they go "Biya-nising"

Africa badly needs strong institutions not strong men says US President Obama.

In the next few years, a number of African leaders will reach their term limits amid widespread fears that some will attempt to stay in power by bending the rules and amending constitutions, a process that has already begun in some places.

Following the October 31 ousting of Blaise Compaore, the spotlight has fallen on several African leaders suspected of plotting constitutional amendments to extend their years in power beyond the mandated two terms.

Compaoré was forced to flee to neighbouring Ivory Coast after thousands took to the streets across the country to protest a controversial parliamentary vote that would have extended his 27 years in power.

The Burkinabe strongman’s ouster was closely monitored in several African nations, where leaders have publicly expressed their intentions to seek re-election despite the legal term limits.

Leaders such as Joseph Kabila of Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Denis Sassou Nguesso of the Republic of the Congo (also known as “Congo – Brazzaville”), Benin’s Thomas Boni Yayi and Rwanda’s Paul Kagame are accused of trying to revise their countries’ constitutions in order to stay in power.

The recent seismic changes in Burkina Faso have underscored a growing impatience – particularly among the younger generation – with leaders unwilling to stick to constitutional term limits.