Rumours of ill-health have engulfed two African presidents in recent weeks, sparking contrasting responses and exposing how the wellbeing of leaders is often treated as a state secret. It started with Cameroon's President Paul Biya, 91, whose ministers denied that he was sick, insisting he was in “excellent health”. However, the media in Cameroon was then on his condition.
Then, Malawi’s state house rebuffed gossip that President Lazarus Chakwera was unwell by posting videos of the leader jogging and doing press-ups in the capital, Lilongwe. “You have to reflect a certain kind of man to dominate in politics - you can't show weakness or vulnerability,” says Oxford University associate professor in African politics, Miles Tendi, of the pomp and secrecy that surrounds African leaders and their health. Chakwera and Biya used very different approaches to tackle the rumours about illnesses, but they had a similar intent - to project, and protect, an image of strength and virility.
But perhaps most importantly, to keep rivals and opportunists at bay. Prof Tendi says that the game of politics is a “performance of masculinity” that needs to be done to maintain power. He adds that the masculine nature of politics makes it extremely difficult for women to succeed.
There is currently only one female head of state in Africa, , and she inherited power as the deputy leader when her male boss died. Political leaders, in Africa and beyond, are expected to be symbols of strength .
