From relatives to allies: How African leaders consolidate power

Across Africa, powerful political families have long been accused of entrenching themselves at the centre of state authority by elevating relatives into senior government, military and diplomatic roles. 

The concentration of power within ruling dynasties has fuelled debates on patronage, conflict of interest and the erosion of institutional independence.

Tanzania has now joined that conversation.

President Samia Suluhu retained her presidency after a fiercely contested election in which she secured 98% of the vote, a result sharply criticised by international human rights organisations. 

Days later, she unveiled a new Cabinet whose composition immediately drew scrutiny for featuring relatives of influential political figures.

In a televised address from Chamwino State House in Dodoma, Samia announced 27 ministers and 29 deputy ministers, including her daughter, Wanu Hafidh Ameir, appointed Deputy Minister of Education. 

Wanu’s husband, Mohamed Mchengerwa, was named Minister for Health. 

The pair, who each hold parliamentary seats, Wanu in Rufiji and Mchengerwa in Makunduchi, now join the list of politically powerful couples shaping national policy.

Also notable was the appointment of Ridhwani Kikwete, son of former president Jakaya Kikwete, to oversee Public Service Management and Good Governance in the President’s Office. 

At 46, he is the CCM MP for Chalinze. 

His father, one of Tanzania’s most influential political figures, is widely seen as instrumental in Samia’s rise within the ruling party, a trajectory that culminated in her presidency.

But Tanzania is far from alone. 

The intertwining of political authority and family influence is visible across the region.

President Yoweri Museveni

Uganda remains one of the most prominent examples. 

President Yoweri Museveni’s 39-year rule has been marked by the placement of relatives in key state roles. First Lady Janet Museveni has served as Minister for Education since 2016. 

Their son, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, is the Chief of Defence Forces, a position that has fuelled long-running speculation that he is being groomed to succeed his father.

But the network extends further.

Museveni’s son-in-law, Odrek Rwabogo, is Special Presidential Advisor on Exports and Industrial Development and chairs the powerful PACEID committee. 

His wife, Patience Museveni, serves as the President's Private Secretary for Household Affairs. Museveni’s sister, Violet Kajubiri, is deputy chair of the Education Service Commission, while his brother, General Salim Saleh, serves as a senior presidential advisor. 

Their stepbrother, Shedreck Nzaire, advises the presidency on defence matters. Even extended in-law networks wield influence, including former long-serving Foreign Affairs Minister Sam Kutesa, Muhoozi's father-in-law.

In South Sudan, President Salva Kiir has faced similar accusations. 

His daughter, Adut Kiir, was appointed Senior Presidential Envoy for Special Programs in 2025, a move critics say deepens concerns over nepotism despite her humanitarian background.

President William Ruto

President Ruto has long been known for rewarding loyalists, a practice that continued as he rose to the presidency, extending patronage to political friends and long-time allies.

After taking power, he handed key Cabinet posts to some of his closest associates, among them Aden Duale, Kipchumba Murkomen and Kithure Kindiki.

One of the biggest flashpoints came with his decision to appoint an unusually large number of Chief Administrative Secretaries (CAS), a position created under his predecessor. His list of 50 nominees included close confidant and long-time aide Dennis Itumbi. This, however, did not sail through.

Questions have also arisen about the President’s personal ties with other senior officials.

Kenya Power managing director Joseph Siror was previously forced to address his relationship with Ruto after old photos of the pair resurfaced.

“We were together in college, and we used to preach together, and I still preach,” he said in a past TV interview.

But one appointment frequently cited by critics predates Ruto’s presidency: the naming of his daughter, June Ruto, as Chargée d’Affaires in Poland in 2019, during his tenure as Deputy President.

At the time, critics argued that he held significant sway within the government that made the posting possible.

President Teodoro Obiang

Succession debates continue to revolve around Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, or “Teodorin,” the First Vice President of Equatorial Guinea and widely viewed heir to President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo. 

His steady ascent through defence and security portfolios has intensified expectations of a dynastic transition.

President Paul Kagame

In Rwanda, Kagame's sons have taken on formal security roles. 

Ian Kagame serves in the elite Presidential Guard, while in August, Brian Kagame graduated from Gako Military Academy and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Rwanda Defence Force.

While leaders insist such appointments are merit-based, critics warn that placing relatives at the heart of government risks deepening patronage, weakening accountability and consolidating power in systems where institutional checks remain fragile.