Democracy held firm in the US and The Gambia for very different reasons, writes Adrian Ephraim.
One of the two most compelling images of the past week must surely be of the Obama family taking off into the grey Washington sky in Marine One, as a smug-looking Donald Trump waved goodbye at the steps of the Capitol. It was a poignant moment that spoke volumes of the transition of power the US is undergoing. It was a moment filled with anxiety and dread for many worldwide.
The other image was that of Gambia’s former ruler Yahya Jammeh boarding a private jet as he fled into exile. Breathing down Jammeh’s neck were the troops representing the Economic Community Of West African States (Ecowas), ready to pounce if he prolonged his stay any further. It was an unusual scenario in many ways.
For one, Jammeh actually gave up power. After 22 years of ruling with a heavy hand, he chose to high tail it into a life of luxury (presumably) in a foreign country, until people forget him. Secondly, African leaders pre-empted bloodshed and for once were not caught on the back foot.
Gambia's defeated leader Yahya Jammeh waves to supporters as he departs from Banjul airport. Picture: Jerome Delay/AP
Millions in the US and around the world though were unwilling to let the Obamas go. Many couldn’t stomach the sight of a pasty racist and misogynist waving goodbye to the quintessential modern-day nuclear family, who brought back grace and dignity to the White House. Yet, it can be argued that like Jammeh, Obama is responsible for the deaths of hundreds in drone attacks in Yemen, Pakistan and Syria.
In a democracy, leaders come and go (although far too infrequently from an Africa perspective), but it is how countries handle the transition that underscores the strength of that democracy. Jammeh didn’t leave with grace. He was forced out when his closest allies, including his army chief, deserted him.
Democracy held firm in the US and The Gambia for very different reasons.
Jammeh used religion and violent coercion to stay in power for more than two decades. Many argue that a murderer has escaped his day in court by cutting a deal with his neighbours and Ecowas. He also looted the state coffers on his way out.
It’s obvious why we Africans should care about the transition of power in a democracy. If it fails, it could have dire consequences for the region. We are no strangers to leaders who overstay their welcome. Robert Mugabe lost an election in 2008 and still clings to power; so does Burundi’s Pierre Nkurunziza, Equatorial Guinea’s Nguema Obiang and Uganda’s Yoweri Museveni.
Trump’s journey to the Iron Throne has been anything but uneventful, and the controversy will not end soon. Even after his inauguration there are millions of Americans living with “Trump regret”.
Women and men across the world have marched to the seat of power in their regions to protest the person and the misogynistic ideas that Trump represents.
Africans need to be wary of Trump’s perilous manoeuvres through the aisles of the china shop. Sensitive trade and climate-change deals, aid packages and geo-political relationships are at stake here. Although Ecowas has shown that Africa’s leadership is capable of being proactive and able to wean itself off certain dependencies, most of our economies are incapable of going it alone.
A true test of a democracy is in its ability to shift and shape to accommodate the will of the people. Respect for the ballot and the outcome of elections are the nuts and bolts of even a makeshift democracy. Time will tell whether Adama Barrow will move Gambia forward.
Sadly, for its citizens, the values and principles of democracy were enforced through the threat of the barrel of a gun, which is never a long-term solution.
* "Adrian Ephraim is the editor of African Independent. For the best news and analysis from the continent go to www.africanindy.com