15 July 2025 | 13:30 CAT
3-minute read

This week’s Africa Report focused on three major developments shaping the continent: the death of former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, the re-election bid of Cameroon’s long-serving leader, Paul Biya, and a controversial meeting between five African heads of state and former US President Donald Trump. We spoke to Sizo Nkala, research fellow at the University of Johannesburg’s Centre for Africa–China Studies, for expert insights.

Buhari: a polarising giant in Nigerian politics

Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away in London after a long illness, was a central figure in Nigeria’s post-independence history. First rising to power in 1983 through a military coup, Buhari ruled as a military leader until he was overthrown in 1985. His early reign was characterised by authoritarian rule, with crackdowns on political opposition, strict economic controls, and a zero-tolerance approach to corruption. But his economic mismanagement and heavy-handed tactics contributed to his removal.

After decades in the political wilderness, Buhari made a return in 2015—this time through the ballot box. His victory over then-President Goodluck Jonathan marked Nigeria’s first democratic transfer of power between parties. While he campaigned on an anti-corruption platform, his presidency from 2015 to 2023 left many disillusioned.

“While he tried to fight corruption, it is not clear whether he made any significant inroads as Nigeria is still affected by corruption up to now,” Nkala noted.

His second term saw worsening inflation and a controversial handling of the 2020 #EndSARS protests, which highlighted deep-seated police brutality and youth dissatisfaction.

Buhari’s legacy, Nkala explained, is ultimately “a mixed one. It’s both of an effort to fight corruption, but on the other hand, it was heavy-handed against political dissenters or opponents.”

Paul Biya: 43 years and counting

In another headline from the continent, Cameroon’s President Paul Biya, aged 92, has announced his intention to run for re-election in October. Biya is the second longest-serving head of state in Africa, having held power since 1982. Despite his advanced age and frequent absences due to health issues—often receiving medical treatment abroad—Biya shows no signs of relinquishing power.

“He has ruled, I think, the country with an iron fist, arresting human rights activists and journalists and political opponents,” said Nkala.

The 2018 constitutional amendment, which removed presidential term limits, paved the way for Biya’s indefinite rule. Meanwhile, Cameroon continues to face insurgencies from Boko Haram in the north and armed separatist conflicts in its English-speaking regions.

With a median age of just 23, Cameroon is one of the youngest populations globally—yet it remains under the leadership of one of the world’s oldest presidents. The disconnect between leadership and population has fuelled debates about generational power transitions and democratic accountability in Africa.

Trump’s Africa optics: resources over respect

Nkala also dissected last week’s controversial meeting between Donald Trump and five African leaders—Senegal, Liberia, Gabon, Mauritania, and Guinea-Bissau—at the White House. Though dubbed a “mini summit,” the meeting revealed deep asymmetries in diplomatic engagement.

“Trump treated the African leaders like his juniors,” Nkala observed.

He recounted how Trump rushed speeches, forgot names, and awkwardly praised the Liberian president’s English—despite English being Liberia’s official language.

Even more troubling, African leaders responded by flattering Trump, praising him for “bringing peace to the DRC” and endorsing him for the Nobel Peace Prize—despite no verifiable efforts in that regard. Their emphasis on natural resources further reinforced the perception that Africa’s value lies in its minerals rather than its people or institutions.

“The meeting underscored US policy under Trump, which is that of trade and access to minerals,” Nkala said. “He has made it clear that he wants access to Africa’s minerals.”

The interactions echoed longstanding criticisms of extractive foreign engagement with Africa, which prioritises resource acquisition over genuine development partnerships.

Listen to the Africa Report on Sabaahul Muslim with Moulana Sulaimaan Ravat.