Trappings of Power: Political Leadership in Africa

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AuthorHouse, 2012 - Biography & Autobiography - 254 pages
Why is it that by his death, having solved the country's hunger problems and set an example for Africa on how to deal with foreign donors and international aid organisations such as the IMF and the World Bank, Mutharika was regarded as a pariah both in Malawi and internationally? Mutharika had overseen the expansion of the transport infrastructure, presided as Chairman of the African Union and helped Malawi achieve rapid GDP growth. How is it that he also left Malawi with serious economic problems particularly relating to nonexistent foreign exchange reserves and the inability of the country to import fuel? Why is it that that when he died, he had become the most hated man in Malawi, at least aside from his staunch party followers? This book analyses the presidency of Bingu wa Mutharika from the inside, his love-hate relationship with foreign donors and international aid agencies and his political successes and failures to show how power and political success in Africa is a trap that ensnares African leaders to easily forget their mission to serve the people. The role of patronage and culture, and the tendency of advisors in contributing to their leaders feelings of infallibility is also highlighted. The book uncovers lessons on the inner dynamics of power and politics in Africa that will be enlightening to all interested in African politics specifically, and third world political development in general.
 

Contents

CHAPTER 1
1
CHAPTER 2
20
CHAPTER 3
38
CHAPTER 4
60
CHAPTER 5
80
CHAPTER 6
99
CHAPTER 7
117
CHAPTER 8
142
CHAPTER 9
167
CHAPTER 10
191
Epilogue
215
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About the author (2012)

Z. Allan Ntata is a Barrister at Law and worked as Legal Counsel to the President of the Republic of Malawi and Executive Secretary to the Malawi National Advisory Council on Strategic Planning. He was appointed soon after Mutharika's re-election to the Presidency in 2009 and held this position at the time of his death in April 2012. Ntata has also worked in the United Kingdom as Legal Advisor, As Law Lecturer in Australia, and as Prosecutor for the Malawi's Anti-corruption Bureau. Ntata holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Westminster, a Master of Laws degree from the University of Huddersfield, and a post-graduate Diploma in Professional Legal Skills from City University, London. He currently lives in the United Kingdom

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