Mr. Annan has hit it right on the head, because all the troubles that now beset his continent of birth can be traced to such "leaders". In his own country, Ghana, we are living in constant dread of when a "former leader" would strike to foment an unconstitutional change of government. This former leader has been straining at the leash to cause a BOOM! He is restless because he is not in charge. Like a rabble-rouser, he earlier in the year led his supporters in a public disturbance at which he insulted Ghana's incumbent head of state.

Just recently, a newspaper supportive of this former leader launched an unprovoked and scurrilous attack on Mr. Annan himself. It is these leaders, former leaders and aspiring leaders who are the bane of Africa. For them, power - raw political power - to lord it over others is what comes first.

They are not bothered whether their pursuit of that power would bring their country to ruin. In Ghana for example, why would this former leader, after having held power for twenty years, still be hankering for more power? It must be clear to him and his supporters that no good can come out of such insistence.

Africa needs enlightened leaders not trouble-fomenting ones. And yes indeed, if you love your country, why would you allow it to be torn apart?