For too long, many of Africa’s leaders have been driven not by a genuine desire to serve the people but by an insatiable thirst for power and control. This unchecked and often narcissistic ambition has become a dominant force in the political systems of many African countries.
Drawing inspiration from timeless works such as William Shakespeare’s Macbeth and Wole Soyinka’s King Baabu, I see clear parallels in the psychological motivations of political leaders today. Both Macbeth, consumed by ambition, and King Baabu, obsessed with control, are ultimately undone by their own flaws. These are not just literary tragedies; they reflect the stark reality of many African nations, where leaders driven by personal gain rather than national progress cling to power for far too long, often with disastrous consequences.
Arguably, the root of Africa’s leadership crisis is not merely bad governance but a psychological issue that extends beyond politics. I ask: When one family or individual monopolises power for generations, is it because the entire nation is unqualified to lead, or is this symptomatic of a deeper issue—mental instability masquerading as leadership? This uncomfortable question strikes at the heart of what I believe to be a critical issue: leadership failure across Africa may stem from unchecked psychological dysfunction. Leaders who cling to power without regard for the common good are not just failures in governance—they may be exhibiting signs of psychopathological conditions that shape their decisions and behaviour.
In addressing this crisis, I see a powerful solution in the interdisciplinary field of Literature and Medicine, particularly psychiatry. Literature offers a unique lens into human nature, helping us understand the psychological underpinnings of ambition, power, and the human condition. Shakespeare’s Macbeth is not merely a tale of historical intrigue; it is an exploration of the dangers of unchecked ambition and the corrupting nature of power. Similarly, Soyinka’s King Baabu serves as a cautionary tale of a leader whose narcissism and obsession with control lead to his downfall. These narratives provide valuable insight into the psychological mechanics of leadership—a perspective often overlooked in discussions on political reform.
Medicine, particularly psychiatry, on the other hand, provides the scientific tools to diagnose and understand the psychological conditions that influence political behaviour. By integrating the wisdom of Literature with the empirical rigour of medical science, I believe we can better understand the mental health dynamics that drive political decisions. This combination could lead to more effective leadership selection processes, healthier political environments, and, ultimately, better governance.
The idea of subjecting politicians to psychiatric evaluations or analysing their psychological profiles may seem unconventional in political discourse. However, as I have argued, the problem extends beyond mere politics. Political systems are driven by people, and to understand leadership, we must first examine the psychological drivers of those who hold power. Leaders consumed by unchecked ambition or narcissism may make decisions that harm their nations, and it is essential to address the mental health issues that contribute to such behaviour.
I am not alone in this thinking. I draw inspiration from scholars such as Prof. Hope Eghagha, Prof. Emmanuel Babatunde Omobowale, and Prof. Laide Nasir, who have demonstrated the potential of interdisciplinary dialogue between the humanities and the sciences. By blending the intellectual insights of Literature with the diagnostic power of Medicine, we can gain a deeper understanding of the psychological undercurrents of leadership. This, I believe, is a crucial step towards reforming Africa’s political systems.
This idea is not merely theoretical; it is a call to action—one that requires a deeper examination of the psychological dimensions of leadership. I am committed to pursuing a PhD in Literature and Medicine to explore how this interdisciplinary field can contribute to resolving Africa’s leadership crisis. By studying the mental health dynamics of leadership and the human condition, I believe we can move towards a more sustainable and equitable model of governance.
As Africa continues to grapple with long-serving leaders, entrenched political dynasties, and stagnation, I call for introspection. Our political systems are not just about policies—they are about the people who lead. The time has come to examine not just political structures but the very psychology of power, as well as the psychodynamics of power mongers. Could it be that we are not merely dealing with bad governance but with deeply ingrained psychopathological conditions that manifest as leadership failure?
Through research and continued exploration of the intersection between Literature and Medicine, we can be hopeful that Africa will develop a new leadership model—one that prioritises understanding the complex human factors that influence political behaviour over the mere pursuit of power. Such intellectual endeavour will contribute to a broader conversation on how to break free from the cycle of power struggles that has hindered Africa’s progress for far too long.
