Like Men, Like Women

Africa's only elected woman president, Elizabeth Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia, who promised to step down after one term in office, has declined to do so. She has apparently just recently discovered that there is much work to do in Liberia and that she is the best person to do the work. Her action raises the question as to whether women may do better in African politics. While it is correct that she has improved the lives of many Liberians, especially her Americo-Liberian compatriots, she should still step down as she promised. Her sudden realization that there is much work to be done in Liberia, just like Mr Tanja did in Niger before he was overthrown early this year, is another slap in the face of a transforming African politics. Just like African men, it appears that Ms. Sirleaf also has the inclination to stay in power for as long as possible. There has been some arguments relative to whether women may make better leaders than men in the African context. Ms. Sirleaf makes me begin to doubt that possibility. It appears power corrupts everyone, even women, too.