'Rule of gerontocracy has ended': Africa will no longer be 'lorded over by moral rule of old men'

AI Summary

Historian Achille Mbembe discussed the end of 'gerontocracy' in leadership during the Africa Forward Summit. He emphasized a cultural shift in Africa as the young generation seeks to reshape governance and reject the dominance of older leaders.

On the sidelines of the Africa Forward Summit at Strathmore University, François Picard is pleased to welcome celebrated historian and political theorist Achille Mbembe. He offers deep insight into a continent in the midst of profound psychological, sociopolitical and economic transformation. Author of The Earthly Community and one of Africa’s leading voices on postcolonial sovereignty, Mr. Mbembe argues that while institutional change is slow-moving,  a seismic change is underway: “What has ended is the rule of gerontocracy, It has ended in the minds of the people. That is what matters.”