Africa’s First Children: The Power, Privilege, and Disconnect from the Average Citizen

In 2024, Africa’s political landscape has been dramatically shaped by a surge in youth-driven movements and revolutions. Young people, disillusioned by the economic stagnation, corruption, and broken promises of the old political elite, are rejecting the status quo. Protests, elections, and even military coups across the continent are clear indicators of a massive shift. From Senegal to South Africa, Kenya to Uganda, and Mali to Niger, Africa’s youth have risen, demanding accountability, better governance, and an end to foreign manipulation of their countries’ resources. While new, young leaders and military juntas are stepping into this power vacuum, another group of individuals—rarely scrutinized but highly influential—has emerged: the children of African heads-of-state. These "first children" live lives vastly different from the everyday citizens of their nations, often far removed from the daily struggles of poverty, unemployment, and political turmoil that plague their countries. Yet, many of them wield significant influence over national politics and are seen by some as potential leaders for the future. The Disconnect Between First Children and Their People Across the African continent, the children of presidents and prime ministers often occupy powerful positions or lead lavish, jet-setting lives. They benefit from the wealth and political capital of their families, using these privileges to secure positions of power in government or the private sector. Many first children assume influential roles like ministers, advisors, or even diplomats, despite lacking the merit or qualifications of their positions. For instance, until his father’s ousting in a 2023 coup, Noureddin Bongo Valentin, son of former Gabonese President Ali Bongo, was a key political figure, effectively operating as co-president. In Equatorial Guinea, Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue serves as vice president to his father, President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, positioning him to succeed his father’s decades-long rule. These first children amass wealth, luxury properties, and notoriety, while the people of their countries languish in poverty. The problem isn't just about political power—it’s also about perception. First children like Robert and Grace Mugabe’s sons, Chatunga Bellarmine and Robert Junior, are notorious for flaunting their wealth and privilege, such as when they made headlines for pouring champagne over a $60,000 wristwatch during a wild night out. Meanwhile, the citizens of Zimbabwe, many of whom struggle to afford basic necessities, watch from the sidelines. The Political Ambitions of First Children Some of these first children go beyond living luxurious lifestyles and actively participate in shaping political narratives. They claim to be "for the people," positioning themselves as champions of the poor, but often do so in ways that appear opportunistic. For example, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of former South African President Jacob Zuma, has aligned herself with the radical political rhetoric of her father’s supporters. In 2021, she publicly rallied South Africans to protest his imprisonment, attempting to paint herself as a defender of the people despite having benefited from her father’s corrupt regime. Similarly, Charlene Ruto, daughter of Kenyan President William Ruto, has rebranded herself as a youth champion while her father’s government faces mass protests over an unpopular tax bill. In Cameroon, President Paul Biya’s daughter, Brenda Biya, recently attracted attention for her coming-out post on social media, with some hailing her as a potential advocate for LGBTQ+ rights in a country where homosexuality is illegal. However, her privileged status as a resident of Beverly Hills, far from the dangers faced by ordinary Cameroonians, casts doubt on her ability to genuinely represent the struggles of the LGBTQ+ community. The Media’s Role in Elevating First Children The international media often celebrates these first children for their progressive stances or bold lifestyles, but in doing so, they unintentionally overshadow grassroots activists working for real change. News outlets like CNN, BBC, and Reuters are quick to cover stories about the luxurious lives of Africa’s elite, but the real stories of struggle and activism among ordinary Africans are often ignored. For example, while Brenda Biya’s coming out was hailed as a significant moment for LGBTQ+ rights, many activists in Cameroon remain in the shadows, facing threats of violence, corrective rape, and imprisonment. These grassroots leaders are the true advocates for change, but their voices are often drowned out by the sensational stories of the wealthy and powerful. The Future of Africa’s Leadership: A Call for Authentic Representation While there is room for reform, and first children can play a role in changing the political landscape, they are not the heroes Africa’s youth are looking for. Their lives are too far removed from the realities of everyday Africans. Instead, the focus should remain on community-based activism, grassroots movements, and leaders who have lived the struggles of the people they aim to represent. From Tunisia to Nigeria, Uganda to Comoros, Africa’s future will be defined by those who are genuinely in touch with the needs of the population. Real change will come from within communities—through solidarity, resilience, and a commitment to justice. The children of the political elite may have a role to play, but they should not be the primary voices in the fight for a better Africa. Their influence should never overshadow the work of those truly fighting for equality, justice, and progress. The youth movements sweeping across the continent are a sign that Africa is ready for change, and that change must come from the people—not from the privileged few.