Thread by @ChidiOdinkalu

1 reason why ordinary citizens in most #African countries don't take #COVID19 serious is they think it's a #BigMan's thing or God's anger with #AfricanBigMen.

In turn, the big men have converted the #virus into an electoral instrument. It's an interesting story. Come with me....

In April, 82 yo @PresAlphaConde in Conakry did referendum to extend his tenure to #LifePresident. 2 weeks thereafter, his powerful #ChiefOfStaff, Sékou Korouma, promptly died of suspected #COVID19

africanews.com/amp/2020/05/14…

In Ethiopia, the onset of #COVID19 forced the govt of PM, @AbiyAhmedAli to declare emergency. Citing inability to prepare, @NEBEthiopia postponed elections due Aug 29. Tenure of govt ends early sept. Now the have got extension.

addisstandard.com/news-alert-hof…

In Burundi, President @pnkurunziza chose the opposite option - to do elections 22 May under cover of #COVID19 while denying its existence. Now he is dead; his would be successor battles for his life & interim president-designate may have #COVID19 too

theguardian.com/world/2020/jun…

1 week b4 the Burundi election, on 14 May, @pnkurunziza expelled the rep of @WHO in Bujumbura for being conscientious in reminding the ppl abt what the president was denying. If only...

voanews.com/covid-19-pande…

In Malawi, the courts caught President @APMutharika rigging the elections last year & nullified it.

Under cover of #COVID19, he has fired the respected army chief, imposed indefinite ban on rallies & wants to rig another election on 2 July.

qz.com/africa/1834033…

In Tanzania, which has presidential elections 25 Oct, @MagufuliJP has declared #COVID19 gone, expired by his god. His main challenger in the election, @TunduALiss, is exiled & may not be allowed to return b4 the election

bbc.com/news/amp/world…

All over the continent, citizens who have bn abused & wasted by politicians are turning to humour to communicate mockery of politicians many of whom are fighting for their lives against a virus whom they refuse to fight or whose existence they deny.

So, this story continues - in Bangui, Central African Republic, #CAR, the Constitutional Court has ruled that #COVID19 will not become an excuse for extending the tenure of the govt & elections must take place on 27 Dec 2020.

africanews.com/2020/06/11/des…

Not too far from #CAR, in Kampala, President @KagutaMuseveni, who is himself a contestant, wants Uganda's 2021 elections, which were due to take place in Feb or March, postponed. Cabinet is about to approve the proposal.

thechiefobserver.com/4403/uganda-pr…