The Dethronement of Syria’s Asad: Lessons for African Leaders
The Dethronement of Syria’s Asad: Lessons for African Leaders
Jerry Adesewo
The dramatic ousting of Bashar al-Assad as Syria’s ruler, in the last 72-hours, is a timely and cautionary tale for leaders across the globe, especially in Africa. Assad’s fall, after years of clinging to power through authoritarianism, repression, and a complete disregard for the will of his people, is emblematic of the age-old truth encapsulated in the idiom, “Everyday is for the thief, one day is for the owner.” For African leaders, many of whom have been criticised for similar tendencies of tyranny and indefinite rule, as is currently the case in Equatorial Guinea, Cameroon, and Uganda, where President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo (44 years), President Paul Biya (41 years), and Yoweri Museveni (38 years), among others, have held sway for close to, and in some cases, more than four decades. This serves as a wake-up call to embrace governance rooted in accountability, democracy, and the welfare of their citizens.
The Syrian Example: A Case Study in Tyranny
Bashar al-Assad’s tenure in Syria began with hopes of reform but quickly devolved into a tragic chapter of authoritarianism and war. His regime’s reliance on brutal suppression of dissent, blatant corruption, and a refusal to cede power despite widespread opposition epitomised a governance style that prioritised personal gain over national interest. The Syrian Civil War, sparked by his government’s violent crackdown on peaceful protesters, claimed hundreds of thousands of lives and displaced millions.
Assad’s eventual dethronement was not the result of a single event but the culmination of years of resistance, both domestic and international. While his downfall has left Syria in political uncertainty, it also sends a powerful message to leaders who believe their grip on power is unassailable: no regime built on oppression is immune to collapse.
The Syrian Civil War began in March 2011 as part of the Arab Spring uprisings. It escalated from peaceful protests against President Bashar al-Assad’s regime into a brutal conflict involving multiple domestic and international actors. The death toll is staggering. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, by early 2024, over 600,000 people had been killed, including over 230,000 civilians. Additionally, more than 14 million people were displaced, with 6.7 million becoming refugees and the rest internally displaced within Syria.
African Leadership and the Temptation of Tenure
Africa has seen its share of leaders who, like Assad, have resisted the tides of change, ruling their countries as personal fiefdoms rather than democracies. Leaders such as Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe, Muammar Gaddafi of Libya, and Omar al-Bashir of Sudan all eventually succumbed to the will of the people after decades of clinging to power. Each of their downfalls brought with it upheaval and suffering, underscoring the high price nations pay for prolonged tyranny.
Despite these cautionary examples, some African leaders continue to manipulate constitutions to extend their rule or suppress opposition through fear and coercion. From Paul Biya in Cameroon to Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo in Equatorial Guinea, the continent has no shortage of leaders who have overstayed their welcome, governing through a combination of patronage, repression, and exploitation.
Lessons and Recommendations for African Leaders
African leaders who aspire to leave enduring legacies must take heed of the lessons from Assad’s fall. Here are some guiding principles to avoid the pitfalls of tyranny and ensure their leadership remains aligned with the idiom’s moral caution:
- Embrace the Will of the People
Leaders must remember that power ultimately belongs to the people. They are custodians, not owners, of the state. Listening to citizens’ demands, respecting their rights, and ensuring their voices are reflected in governance decisions are essential to maintaining legitimacy. Ignoring public sentiment creates a foundation for resentment and eventual revolt.
- Respect Term Limits
One of the clearest indicators of a healthy democracy is adherence to constitutional term limits. Leaders must resist the temptation to amend constitutions for personal gain. By stepping down when their tenure ends, they set a powerful example of selflessness and statesmanship, as seen in figures like Nelson Mandela of South Africa, who willingly relinquished power despite his immense popularity. Nations like Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, and a few others have also followed in Mandela’s footsteps, ensuring that they conduct elections as and when due, and exit honourably.
- Foster Strong Institutions, Not Personalities
The importance of fostering strong institutions over-relying on dominant personalities can be clearly understood through the contrasting experiences of Rwanda and Uganda. Both nations highlight the risks and potential consequences of over-concentration of power.
In Uganda, President Yoweri Museveni has held power since 1986. While his early years in office were marked by economic reforms and relative stability after the chaotic rule of Idi Amin and Milton Obote, his continued dominance has stifled institutional growth. The judiciary and legislature often appear compromised, with opposition voices heavily suppressed. The erosion of term limits and centralisation of authority around Museveni has made Uganda’s governance highly dependent on his persona, leaving uncertainty about the country’s future after his eventual departure.
- Address Corruption and Inequality
Many of Africa’s long-standing grievances stem from corruption and inequality. Leaders must tackle these issues head-on by implementing transparent governance, equitable economic policies, and anti-corruption mechanisms. When people see that their leaders are working for the collective good, trust in governance is strengthened.
- Engage in Dialogue and Reconciliation
Conflict often arises from a refusal to engage dissenting voices. Leaders should prioritise dialogue over suppression, bringing together diverse groups to address grievances. Reconciliation efforts should aim at healing historical divides, promoting national unity, and avoiding cycles of retaliation.
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- Learn from Democratic Success Stories
Africa has shining examples of democratic progress. Nigeria, Botswana, Ghana, and Senegal have demonstrated that peaceful transitions of power and adherence to democratic norms are possible. Leaders in other nations should study these models to understand how political stability can coexist with economic and social development.
The People’s Power: A Force to Reckon With
History has shown repeatedly that no leader, no matter how powerful, can indefinitely suppress the will of the people. The Arab Spring, which began in 2011, swept through the Middle East and North Africa, toppling entrenched regimes and demonstrating the power of collective action. Similarly, in Africa, popular uprisings have brought down long-standing dictatorships, as seen in Sudan and Burkina Faso.
The dethronement of Assad is a stark reminder that while leaders may enjoy periods of unaccountable rule, the eventual reckoning is inevitable. African citizens, emboldened by global examples, are increasingly demanding transparency, accountability, and respect for their rights. Leaders who fail to recognise this shift risk not only their positions but also their nations’ stability.
A Call to Action for African Leaders
African leaders stand at a crossroads. They can choose the path of Assad, clinging to power at all costs, or they can heed the lessons of history and embrace governance that prioritises the welfare of their people. The choice to leave a legacy of tyranny or one of transformative leadership rests in their hands.
The idiom “Everyday is for the thief, one day is for the owner” serves as a powerful reminder that injustice may thrive temporarily, but accountability is inevitable. By aligning their governance with the principles of justice, democracy, and inclusivity, African leaders can ensure their legacies are not marked by ignominy but celebrated as a beacon of hope for future generations.