20 AFRICAN LEADERS AND THEIR MISTAKES

Below is a list of 20 prominent African leaders, including elected officials, who have sought medical treatment abroad instead of building quality hospitals in their home countrries:

1. Bola Ahmed Tinubu (Nigeria, President, 2023–present): Traveled to the UK and France for medical check-ups since taking office.

2. Muhammadu Buhari (Nigeria, President, 2015–2023): Spent over 200 days in the UK for undisclosed ailments, notably in 2017.

3. Umaru Yar’Adua (Nigeria, President, 2007–2010): Died in Abuja after treatment for heart and kidney issues in Saudi Arabia.

4. Robert Mugabe (Zimbabwe, President, 1987–2017): Frequently treated in Singapore for eye issues; died there in 2019.

5. José Eduardo dos Santos (Angola, President, 1979–2017): Sought treatment in Spain, with trips confirmed under public pressure.

6. Patrice Talon (Benin, President, 2016–present): Underwent prostate and digestive surgeries in France in 2017.

7. Paul Biya (Cameroon, President, 1982–present): Regularly travels abroad, often to Europe, for medical care, facing criticism for absences.

8. Omar Bongo (Gabon, President, 1967–2009): Died in Spain in 2009 after treatment for cancer.

9. Meles Zenawi (Ethiopia, Prime Minister, 1995–2012): Died in Belgium in 2012 after medical treatment.

10.John Atta Mills (Ghana, President, 2009–2012): Died in Accra shortly after treatment in the US for throat cancer.

11. Michael Sata (Zambia, President, 2011–2014): Died in the UK in 2014 after medical treatment.

12.Levy Mwanawasa (Zambia, President, 2002–2008): Died in France in 2008 after a stroke.

13.Bingu wa Mutharika (Malawi, President, 2004–2012): Died in South Africa in 2012 after a heart dease.

14.Abdelaziz Bouteflika(Algeria, President, 1999–2019): Frequently treated in France for neurological and heart issues.

15. Idriss Déby (Chad, President, 1990–2021): Reportedly sought treatment in France before his death in 2021.

16.Goodluck Jonathan(Nigeria, President, 2010–2015): Sought medical care abroad during his tenure, though less publicized.

17.Gnassingbé Eyadéma(Togo, President, 1967–2005): Died in 2005 en route to France for medical treatment.

18.Isaias Afwerki (Eritrea, President, 1993–present): Rumored to seek treatment abroad, though details are scarce due to secrecy.

19.Hage Geingob (Namibia, President, 2015–2024): Sought treatment in South Africa for various health issues before his death.

20.Laurent Gbagbo (Ivory Coast, President, 2000–2011): Reportedly sought medical care in Europe during his tenure.

This trend persists due to underfunded healthcare systems, with countries as  Nigeria spending only 5% of their budget on health, compared to the African Union’s 15% target. Exceptions like Rwanda and Botswana, which invest heavily in healthcare.

African Beacon