Nigeria, Oct. 29 -- Watching the news of the recent elections in Cameroon and Cote d'Ivoire broke my heart. Once again, Paul Biya - at 91 years old - has been declared winner of Cameroon's presidential election, extending his more than four decades in power. In Cote d'Ivoire, Alassane Ouattara, who has been president since 2010, has also secured another term. Both men have claimed victory in countries where discontent, fatigue, and frustration are palpable.

Outtara was once in the opposition. He has forgotten where he came from. So soon? For me, these are not just isolated events. They represent everything that has kept Africa backward - sit-tightism, nepotism, prebendalism, and the politics of ethnic and religious loyalty, which continu...