5 Lesser known dictators around the world Ruling with an Iron Fist
In a world filled with countries that disagree on almost everything, there is a growing consensus among people of the world that Democracy is the best way to run a country. As flawed as modern Democracy may be, it still represents the will of the people, and the rulers can be held accountable by the people through voting procedures, referendums, political activism, and the general elections. Dictatorship on the other hand is absolute authority to one man or group, disregarding the wills and wishes of the people of that country.
When we hear the word dictator, there are a few famous names that pop up in our heads. Unfortunately, in their shadows there are still some dictators who continue to rule their countries with an Iron Fist. This article lists down five such dictators.
· King Miswati III — Ruler of Swaziland
Swaziland is the last remaining absolute monarchy that exists in the African continent. The current King of the country came to power when he was 18. The new monarch was expected to revolutionize the region since he received his education in England. However, those hopes seem to have gone astray as the latest ruler has taken a liking to the traditions of yesteryear. He chooses his wives each year by attending the annual Reed dance where Swaziland’s prettiest virgins dance bare breasted in front of the King, to be his future wife.
· Isaias Afewerki — President of Eritrea
Which country has the worst human rights record in the world? It is not North Korea, Burma or Iran, the title goes to Eritrea which is ruled by the President Isaias Arewerki. The country has no private media, with all the media in the country being state run. There are only two religions Islam and Christianity and their state defined denominations that can be practiced in the country. Practicing any other religion is summarily arrested and imprisoned for life.
· Alexander Lukashenko — President of Belarus
The first thing that comes to mind when people hear the word Europe is freedom, liberty and economic strength. Unfortunately, there is a country in Europe that is still ruled by a dictator. After the fall of the Soviet Union, its state broke into countries. Belarus was one such country and it has been under the rule of “Daddy” Lukashenko since 1994. He rigged the last elections in 2006 winning by a majority of 93.5%. He has also banned clapping in public.
· Yahya Jammeh — President of Gambia
Yahya came to power in Gambia as a result of a coup. The President has ruled the country ever since with a dose murder, fear and persecution. He has killed demonstrators by firing into peaceful crowds and imprisoned peaceful protestors for witchcraft. He also once famously remarked that gays should leave the country or they’d be beheaded.
· Teodoro Obiang Nguema — President of Equatorial Guinea
With a population of 500,000 the world could be forgiven for having forgotten all about this evil despot who is currently neck and neck with Robert Mugabe to be crowned the longest serving dictator in the country. The country has large reserves of oil, but income of the billions poured by US companies goes directly to the President. Despite having a per capita income of $4,472, more than half of the population lives under $1 a day.
A Selection of Dictator Quotes
“Time and time again does the pride of man influence his very own fall. While denying it, one gradually starts to believe that he is the authority, or that he possesses great moral dominion over others, yet it is spiritually unwarranted. By that point he loses steam; in result, he falsely begins trying to prove that unwarranted dominion by seizing the role of a condemner.” ~ Criss Jami, Salomé: In Every Inch In Every Mile
“Often, the greater our ignorance about something, the greater our resistance to change.” ~ Marc Bekoff, Animals Matter: A Biologist Explains Why We Should Treat Animals with Compassion and Respect
“The ultimate story of success: When a nobody, who has never once in his entire life known the feeling of being remembered or respected, suddenly snaps and becomes a world dictator. On one hand it sounds just, but on the other, it illustrates the reason why a prosperity message has and needs its limitations.” ~ Criss Jami, Killosophy
“Nobody ever recommended a dictatorship aiming at ends other than those he himself approved. He who advocates dictatorship always advocates the unrestricted rule of his own will” ~ Ludwig von Mises, Omnipotent Government
“The concept of the benevolent dictator, just like the concepts of the noble thief or the honest whore, is no more than a meaningless fantasy.” ~ Alaa Al Aswany, On the State of Egypt: A Novelist’s Provocative Reflections
“Ignorance is an evil weed, which dictators may cultivate among their dupes, but which no democracy can afford among its citizens.” ~ William Beveridge
“Stop obeying a dictator; you will then see that he is nothing! Stop obeying a king; you will then see that he is nothing! If you refuse the Devil, you will then see that he will shade away!” ~ Mehmet Murat ildan
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