Of course Assad will outlast Obama. Assad is a dictator-for-life, as his father was and Mr. Obama is the democratically elected leader of an actual republic that only allows him two terms of office. Kind of a "no brainer".
Obama takes aim at African leaders clinging to power
- AFRICA
- Tuesday 28 July 2015 - 2:07pm
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African Union Chairperson Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma (R) leaves the stage as US President Barack Obama arrives to deliver a speech at the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa on July 28, 2015. Photo: AFP PHOTO / SAUL LOEB
ADDIS ABABA - Barack Obama on Tuesday condemned African leaders who refuse to give up power, as he made the first address to the African Union by a US leader.
"Africa's democratic progress is also at risk when leaders refuse to step aside when their terms end," Obama said in a speech at the AU's headquarters in the Ethiopian capital.
"No one should be president for life," Obama said, adding that he himself was looking forward to handing over to his successor.
"I have to be honest with you: I just don't understand this. Under our constitution, I cannot run again. There's still so much I want to get done to keep America moving forward. But the law is the law and no one is above it, not even presidents," he said.
"And, frankly, I'm looking forward to life after being president. It will mean more time with my family, new ways to serve, and more visits to Africa."
Obama singled out Burundi's President Pierre Nkurunziza -- whose re-election to a third term provoked weeks of unrest in the small central African nation -- as an example of the dangers of trying to stay put.
"When a leader tries to change the rules in the middle of the game just to stay in office, it risks instability and strife, as we've seen in Burundi."
He said clinging to power was "often just a first step down a perilous path."
"If a leader thinks they're the only person who can hold their nation together, then that leader has failed to truly build their country," Obama said, hailing Nelson Mandela as an example for the continent.
Barack Obama said the United States stood with Africa to defeat terrorism and end conflict Tuesday, warning that the continent's progress will "depend on security and peace".
"As Africa stands against terror and conflict, I want you to know the United States stands with you," Obama said, highlighting threats ranging from Somalia's al-Shabaab, Boko Haram in Nigeria, insurgents in Mali and Tunisia, and the Uganda-led Lord's Resistance Army rebels in central Africa.
Reuters reports that Obama said that Ethiopia "cannot unleash the full potential of its people" if it jails journalists and restricts legitimate opposition groups.
Ethiopia's government has acknowledged it had more work to do to develop its democracy but also says any journalists it has detained committed crimes.
Obama also said Central African Republic leaders needed to commit to inclusive elections and a peaceful transition of power. Elections in October will mark a return to democratic rule after the Seleka rebels toppled President Francois Bozize in March 2013, sparking a conflict.
Obama takes aim at African leaders clinging to power | eNCA
This is a good abstract about what Obama said recently when he visited Africa.
I Couldn't have said it better Obama.
These power obsessed/hungry greedy dictators who have ruled their countries for decades together with their family until they die have no place in this world. They are a curse for their people and the region. They have virtually ruined a whole generation of their country's youths, since even when they know they have failed in building up/effectively governing their country, they will NEVER step down and let others take over. They will rather stay in power until they die. Plus you will hear some of them fooling their dumb citizens/people that: "IF I LEAVE POWER(EVEN PEACEFULLY/VOLUNTARILY) THEN THIS COUNTRY IS DOOMED AND FINISHED".lol
or better still some will say:"I AM THE ONLY ONE WHO CAN RULE THIS COUNTRY".
Seems they take people for fools.
As if the country belongs to them. lol
Funny thing is some people are dumb enough to believe them. lol I despise such rulers the most.