Rhetoric and African Politicians

Like Zambia, in many african countries, most politicians behave like it is described in this article - Zambia’s Modern Day Politicians and Lost Art of Rhetoric - by Daniel Tonga: they use political speeches to divide people, even to promote tribalism, anarchy and hate among citizens. it is a sad reality, and sometimes journalist are afraid to talk about it. Such a bad behavior as you told effectively is seen both among ruling and opposition political parties unfortunately.

In Niger, my native country, "there is no art of rhetoric" like in Zambia and many others african countries probably. In Niger, the result is an increasing disapointment of citizen and particulary Youth about politicians and politics itself. In discussions, you often hear : they are all the same.

Personally, I wonder if it is really a question of lack of skill in rethoric. If I take the exemple of Niger, most politicians, whether from ruling party or from opposition party, if they should have an exam in rhetoric, they would probably pass it.

According to me, it is more a question of sincere dedication towards the country development. What really makes the difference between politicians who make positive speeches to unite people and politicians who use speeches to divide people ? Probably, the degree of their sincere commitment for democracy... As, "rhetoric and democracy are inextricable", don't you think too that "rhetoric and dedication" are also inextricable ?It is so easy for any politician to tell he is a democrate, but in acts, it is so difficult to behave like a democrate... That's the real challenge, which could help to understand why rhetoric is probably voluntary neglected by some modern african politicians.

If a politician is a sincere democrate, he will naturally seek to master the art of rhetoric, whether he doesn't have this needed skill. But, if he is a "fallacious" democrate, using the word democracy only in speeches but not demonstrating it in acts, even if he is a master in rhetoric, he will not use it unfortunately. Using the art of the rhetoric as it is defined, is not a strategical goal for some politicians, because only one thing motivates them. If they belong to the ruling party  : staying as long as they can the ruling party whatever it may cost for the country. If they belong to the opposition party : leaving the status of opposition party as soon as they can whatever it may cost for the country. Citizen, especially the majority illeterate from rural areas,  are manipulated by both sides in this fight for power. Whatever the result of this political fight, that will mean no significative change for local communities sustainable development : that's the the real tragedy of the lost of rhetoric among politicians in Africa.....