Models of leadership styles in Africa		Leadership styles Description
Traditional Leadership		Traditional leadership structures have a long history in many African civilizations. These are frequently based on inherited chiefs or leaders who are in charge due to their age, ancestry, or other important cultural characteristics. In their communities, these traditional leaders are important decision-makers and mediators of disputes.
Colonial Legacy		African colonial history has had a significant influence on leadership philosophies. African societies were subjected to the administrative structures and leadership models imposed by European colonial powers. This has occasionally resulted in a gulf between conventional leadership and Western-style administration, fuelling political unrest in certain countries.
Authoritarianism		Authoritarian dictators have ruled over several African nations for protracted periods of time, frequently using unscrupulous methods to maintain their position of authority. In certain African countries, this has led to a concentration of power and a reduction in democratic pluralism.
Democratic Leadership		Africa has seen an increasing tendency toward democratic leadership in the last few decades. Numerous nations have embraced multi-party systems and democratic constitutions. Regular elections are conducted, with the electorate selecting the leaders.
Ethnic and Tribal Influences		In Africa, leadership styles can be greatly influenced by one’s ethnic and tribal affiliations. Leaders are frequently members of particular ethnic groups and may be thought to speak for that groups’ interests. In certain nations, this can cause problems between tribes and ethnic groups.
Pan-Africanism		Pan-Africanism, which advocates for cooperation and unification among African countries, has affected diplomacy and leadership on the continent. Renowned figures such as Nelson Mandela, Julius Nyerere, and Kwame Nkrumah were instrumental in advancing Pan-Africanism.
Conflict Resolution		Numerous battles and civil wars have occurred in Africa. While some leaders have utilized force to hold onto power, others have taken a more conciliatory and consensus-based approach to conflict resolution. African leadership styles are also frequently characterized by their mediation and peacekeeping endeavours.
Youth Engagement		The population of the continent is young, and some leaders have realized how important it is to involve and empower the youth in leadership and decision-making.
Women in Leadership		In many African nations, women’s participation in leadership positions has been rising, however slowly. By assuming leadership positions in civic society, industry, and politics, women have defied gender stereotypes.
Economic Leadership		In order to solve issues like poverty, unemployment, and economic inequality, leaders in Africa make choices about infrastructure development, resource management, and economic policy.
Military leadership (Military coup)	Over the years, military takeovers have repeatedly occurred in a number of African nations, producing a variety of leaderships. Illustrations of coup leadership in Africa include the following: · Burkina Faso: President Michel Kafando’s transitional administration was overthrown in 2015 following a military coup in Burkina Faso. After assuming power for a brief while, General Gilbert Diendéré came under pressure to resign. After that, elections were conducted, and Roch Marc Christian Kaboré was elected president. · Sudan: Following months of demonstrations against his administration, the military removed Omar al-Bashir from office in April 2019. General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan headed the Transitional Military Council, which spearheaded the coup. After some time, a transitional government was formed, and in August 2019, the military and civilian factions came to an agreement on power-sharing. · Mali: In recent years, there have been several military takeovers in Mali. Under the leadership of Colonel Assimi Goïta, a group of military officers ousted President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta in August 2020. Later on, Gošta became the head of the National Committee for the Salvation of the People (CNSP). Goïta masterminded a second coup in May 2021, toppling the interim administration and seizing control for himself. Following that, he pledged to hold elections in 2022. · Guinea: In a coup organized by Colonel Mamady Doumbouya, who proclaimed himself as the leader of the National Committee for Reconciliation and Development, Alpha Condé, the president of Guinea, was ousted in September 2021. Doumbouya promised to organize elections in the future and set up a transitional government. · Niger: Bazoum of Niger was detained and removed from office on July 26, 2023. Bazoum was placed in a room within the presidential compound and warned that he will face treason charges by the military leaders who spearheaded the coup. · Gabon: A coup d’état in Gabon on August 30, 2023, brought President Ali Bongo’s tenure to an end. Only a few hours prior, he was proclaimed the victor of a non-competitive election, granting him a third term in government, and prolonging his family’s reign of power beyond six decades. Gabon had been a stable autocracy during democratic and non-democratic revolutions across the continent, despite a failed coup attempt in 2019.