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Why should heads of state collapse in public? « Let's Face It
Why Should Heads of States collapse in Public?
AS a norm, heads of state never allow themselves to collapse or fall down
in public, because it is a sign of weakness. But in the last few months,
two of them one in Europe, another in Africa have been a rare
exception.
President Nicolas Sarkozy of France collapsed when jogging in late July
this year, causing serious security concerns and embarrasment to the
French public and government, which issued a statement citing fatigue
linked to a large workload. This week, on the first Sunday of October
2009, Tanzanias President Jakaya Kikwete, followed suit.
He collapsed and cut short his speech to thousands of people attending the
African Inland Church (AIC) Centenary Jubilee celebrations at the CCM
Kirumba Stadium in Mwanza City, on the shores of Africas largest lake,
Victoria. Security people rushed him into a private room where he was
quickly attended to, given a brief rest, then released to join panicking
bishops and other dignitaries on the stage, as the crowd quietly observed
one of the rarest happenings, and others silently prayed for his quick
recovery.
When he was finally seated, he was quick to comment: its my fault; my
aides advised me to rest after a long trip and busy schedule but I ignored
them. Next time I will listen to what they tell me. But the damage was
done and questions raised about his health stability and the seriousness
of his assistants in managing his official and personal undertakings
without risking national panic and chaos.
Although the State House Directorate of Comunications issued a quick
statement citing the presidents fatigue after a long trip from the US and
a heavy workload; and the Presidents Personal Office promised looking
into rescheduling his programme to give him a breathing space, questions
about his medical fitness remained unanswered. This was Kikwetes third
collapse in public, in 12 years.
Once, as minister for foreign affairs and international cooperation, he
collapsed at Brussels airport on his way to Cuba. He was hospitalised for
eight hours before he regained strenghth to continue with his trip.
As a presidential candidate in 2005, he collapsed on stage one day before
the polling day as he gave his last speech at a public rally in Jangwani
grounds, in Dar es Salaam City, in front of the media, the crowd and
dignitaries including former presidents Ali Hassan Mwinyi and Benjamin
Mkapa. It was a shocking event, as he fell down from the stage, and
security people rushed him to a military hospital in Dar es Salaam.
When he recovered later, he spoke to the media citing campaign fatigue. He
added that he had spent the whole day fasting. Much as many people felt
sympathetic for him, the explanation was not strong enough to dispel
public fears and queries about the soundness of his health. Again, it was
not clear why his assistants would let him fast on such a busy day
although shortly before he fell down, he had been sipping water as he
addressed the rally.
One understands that on all occasions, he must have been the most affected
and embarrassed individual; but it is obvious neither he nor his
assistants learnt any lesson. Yes, the president has had a long trip to
the US, then back to Tanzania where he officiated at the 55th Commonwealth
Parliamentary Association conference in Arusha, before going to Mwanza.
But this is not enough explanation in a country where most of his people
work longer hours and harder than he does; they sleep fewer hours, eat a
less-balanced diet once a day, earn below one dollar a day, face the risk
of diseases and hunger throughout the year; and yet they manage to stay
firm and going. Given the baby-like previledges he enjoys as president,
with all material and human facilities surrounding him, he should be last
person to cite fatigue as an excuse for collapsing in public.
After all, why should tax payers money be spent on the presidents aides
who do not do their job properly? And why shouldnt someone take
responsibility for this failure? But most importantly, doesnt the
presidents office think the public need to know the state of their
presidents health, especially now that he has repeatedly collapsed and
fallen down before their very eyes?
Thanks to public pressure, the presidents personal medical practitioner,
Dr. Peter Mfisi, has ultimately given an official statement insisting the
president has no serious medical problem which he cannot reveal anyway,
even if it existed - but we still need to read between the lines
revelations that the president has constantly been troubled by a cervical
spinal complication and an increase in levels of blood.
Interestingly, one sentence stands out in Dr. Mfisis statement: we have
learnt a lesson, and we pledge to be more careful
One hopes it is not a
politically driven statement.
But the only way for us to take the presidents people seriously, if they
have truly learnt a lesson, is if they will never again embarrass the
president by letting him collapse in public. Not for the fourth time.