Guinea-Bissau President Embalo Set to Step down, Who are Some of the African Presidents Who Left Power Peacefully

The president of Guinea Bisaau Umaro Sissoco Embalo has anounced that he will NOT run for the second term in the elections scheduled for November this year.

The head of state made this shocking announcement at the end of the council of ministers meeting on wednesday september 11. The National constitution allows a president to run for a maximum of two five-year terms .

51 year-old Embalo was elected as president in a much contested run-off in December 2019 after non of the contesting candidates then got morethan 50% of the vote in the previous month's election.

In the run, Mr Embalo got almost 54% or slightly over 293,000 votes to defeat former Prime Minister Domingos Pereira who got about 46% of the total vote.

The President's decision not to seek a second term mandate has come as surpring to many citizens of the West African country of 2.1 Million People.

In a continent often portrayed through the lens of political instability, Africa has witnessed numerous peaceful transitions of power.

Contrary to popular belief around the world, several African leaders have gracefully handed over the reins of government, cementing their legacies as champions of democracy. As the continent continues to evolve politically, these leaders serve as beacons of hope, highlighting the potential for stability and democratic governance and number ONE will surprise you.

8. Mahmoud Abbas (Zambia)

Another example of a peaceful transition in Africa comes from Zambia, where President Mahmoud Abbas stepped down after his term ended. Zambia has seen multiple democratic transitions, proving that peaceful political change is achievable on the continent.

7. Festus Mogae (Botswana)

Botswana has long been lauded for its political stability, and Festus Mogae’s tenure (1998-2008) contributed to this reputation. After completing his constitutional two terms, Mogae stepped down and was succeeded peacefully by Ian Khama. His leadership saw Botswana continue its impressive economic growth and remain a stronghold of democracy in Africa.

6. Armando Guebuza (Mozambique)

Following in the footsteps of his predecessor, Armando Guebuza, who governed Mozambique from 2005 to 2015, peacefully stepped down after completing his two terms. Guebuza’s departure continued the tradition of peaceful transitions in Mozambique, reinforcing the country’s democratic trajectory.

5. Hifikepunye Pohamba (Namibia)

Namibia’s second president, Hifikepunye Pohamba, led the country from 2005 to 2015. Upon completing his two terms, Pohamba peacefully transferred power, enhancing Namibia’s reputation as a stable and democratic country. His tenure focused on improving governance and tackling issues such as poverty and inequality.

4. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf (Liberia)

As Africa's first elected female president, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf's peaceful handover of power in 2018 was monumental. After serving two terms, Sirleaf did not seek re-election, marking Liberia's first peaceful, democratic transition of power in over 70 years. Her leadership restored Liberia’s global image and helped stabilize the country following years of civil war.

3. John Kufuor (Ghana)

John Agyekum Kufuor, Ghana's president from 2001 to 2009, left office after serving two full terms, in line with the country's constitutional mandate. His peaceful exit further strengthened Ghana’s status as a democratic model in West Africa. Under Kufuor’s leadership, Ghana witnessed economic growth, improved infrastructure, and solidified democratic practices.

2. Joaquim Chissano (Mozambique)

Joaquim Chissano, who served as the president of Mozambique from 1986 to 2005, is another leader who chose to leave power peacefully. Under his leadership, Mozambique emerged from the shadows of a devastating civil war to achieve peace and stability. Chissano opted not to seek a third term, despite the constitutional provision allowing it, thus reinforcing the democratic values of the country.

1. Nelson Mandela (South Africa)

Perhaps one of the most iconic figures in African history, Nelson Mandela’s peaceful transition from power is an example that resonates globally. After serving as South Africa’s first democratically elected president from 1994 to 1999, Mandela voluntarily stepped down, choosing not to run for a second term. His decision reinforced South Africa’s commitment to democracy and set a powerful precedent for future African leaders.

The Growing Trend of Peaceful Transitions

While Africa has faced its share of political challenges, the increasing number of peaceful transitions is a clear indicator of the continent’s political maturation. The examples above highlight the resilience of democracy in Africa, demonstrating that peaceful transfers of power are not only possible but also becoming more frequent.

Why Peaceful Transitions Matter for Africa’s Future

Peaceful transitions of power are critical for political stability, economic growth, and social development. They help foster trust in institutions, attract foreign investments, and encourage civic participation. As more African nations embrace the culture of democratic transitions, the continent is likely to see more sustained periods of peace and prosperity.

Conclusion

The legacies of African presidents who left power peacefully serve as an inspiration to current and future leaders. Their commitment to democracy underscores the fact that Africa is not only capable of producing strong, visionary leaders but also leaders who prioritize the collective future over personal ambition. This growing trend will continue to shape the narrative of African leadership and governance, offering hope for a brighter, more democratic future.