Is there life after the presidency?

Ghanaians are still debating former President Jerry Rawlings' role

What to do with former heads of state when they leave office is a source of debate for many Africans.

The African Statesmen Initiative, which is being launched in Mali is hoping to focus on the positive examples of life after office.

More than 20 African former leaders will be talking about promoting democracy and democratic transition in Africa.

According to the National Democratic Institute which is organising this meeting, "many African presidents cling to power beyond constitutionally and democratically tolerable limits, in part because life after the presidency is seen to offer little in comparison to the riches, stature and security of being in power".

In Malawi and in Zambia, former Presidents Bakili Muluzi and Frederick Chiluba tried unsuccessfully to get their country's constitution amended to allow them a third term in office.

And in Mr Chiluba's case life after the presidency hasn't been as restful as he might have envisaged. He has been stripped of his immunity and has been in and out of court on corruption charges.

Former Ghanaian President Jerry Rawlings on the other hand has carved a new career for himself as a UN volunteer and public speaker while recently retired Namibian President Sam Nujoma has decided to go back to school and study geology at the University of Namibia.

On BBC Africa Live, we're asking: Is there life after the presidency? Should retired presidents be involved in politics? And should they continue to enjoy immunity?

This debate has now closed. Thanks for your contributions. You can now read a sample of your comments below.

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Ex- Presidents like JJ Rawlings are a complete catalogue of experience, who are needed in advisory roles in Africa and the world. We only critize the noble men, because we as Africans refuse to look beyond thier mistakes yesterday and always hold grudges. We need men like the Rawlings, Mandela's and co. who have a wealth of experience to share and offer. All we need do is forget our pride and ask. Long live democracy in Africa.
Owuraku Silk, London / Ghana

To understand some one learn to speak his language Kwaku Amoh Mensah Tsibu, USA

There is an African saying that "to understand some one learn to speak his language" literaly meaning let the person, make known to you what is his worry and why is it a problem. African leaders, good or bad should be consulted when need be on various national issues since they have been there before. I also propose a league of ex-head of states withing the AU to offer advice to sitting presidents in their dealings with rest of the world because "old age they say brings more critical thinking".
Kwaku Amoh Mensah Tsibu, USA/Ghana

African governments should instituted gratuity,pension and life security after the president leaves office and that will enccourage other leaders in power to respect the constitution of the country, after one, two or three terms in the office.
Jimmy DeMoureau, USA/Angola

Rawlings is a noble statesman. I ran into him at a restaurant in Washington, DC. He melted into the crowd like a gentleman. Guess what? I walked up to his table and told him that I wish he was Nigeriam. He chuckled and replied: It is good we are all Africans. Imagine what Nigeria would have looked like with him at the helm.
Mike, Nigeria/US

Life after office? Simple, engage yourself in positive programs for the African continent or third world. Learn fron retired leaders around the world like Jimmy Carter who is building houses for the poor around the globe, Bill Clinton volunteering for the U.N-Tsunami Relief or John Major giving speeches around the world. Like the African adage goes "If you wash your hands you will eat with kings" If you did agood job while in ofice you will have no fear or problem to go out and contribute positively regardles of your education or wealth of your country.
Maada Jusu, USA/Sierra Leone

It is only when the frog is dead that we will determine it's full length Amoulanga, UK/Ghana

My people have a saying that a child that would not let his mother get some sleep will himself not get any.
Kingsley Onwuemenyi, Mississippi, USA

Aren't grandmothers supposed to advise us when we are wayward and give us the recipe for good meals? Living ex-presidents in time will serve as a yardstick for measuring good governance.
Abubakar Ibrahim, Ghana

It is only when the frog is dead that we will determine it's full length. I wish Robert Mugabe would read this and consult Rawlings about the dignity he enjoys after a largely clean sheet of presidency.
Amoulanga, UK/Ghana

Oh, so these ex thieves must be allowed to form a council of tricksters even after stripping their countries off the little that there was? Kindly, let these get rich quickly leaders retire to their back yard gardens.
Shuttie F.N.Libuta, Kitwe Zambia/Central Africa

There is no pillow so soft as clear conscience. Darlyn NanaKwasi, Ghana/Sweden

As the old adage goes, "Nothing ventured, nothing gained". I strongly believe that these African "statesmen", if given the chance to serve the African community collectively, not individually, would provide some vital guidance to help shape the general welfare of the neglected continent.
Moses S. Wilson, Liberian in USA

We should make the presidency powerless so as not to attract the do or die affair.
Ibrahim, Nigeria

Why dont ex-Heads of State just use the abundant time on their hands to open libraries, be UN Ambassadors, and offer other such practical services to mankind? Do your bit and leave others to make thier own contributions.
Andrew Simbo, Sierra Leone

Those presidents who hand over their presidency at the end of their term (without trying to extend their stay on power) should be granted some kind of immunity. I think it would be an incentive for them to step down without fear.
Andom Kahsay, Eritrea

Life after presidency should be hell for those who brought hellish conditions on their people.
Freddy Johnson, Sierra Leone

The best living example and icon for Africa is Nelson Mandela. GW Dove, Ghana

Unfortunately pay-back time is over stretched and over done. Kaunda tasted it under Chiluba, Chiluba is experiencing it under the current president . In Ghana, Mr. Rawlings has found himself receiving insulting comments - but then how did he treat his own political opponents? The best living example and icon for Africa is Nelson Mandela.
G.W. Dove, Ghana

A good leader is one who, at the river banks, offers themselves as a stepping stone for their people to cross over to the other side. Such stones are never treated with contempt.
Stephen Zoroaster Adjei, Tanzania/Ghana

To me the presidency is a contract which has an expiry period. But poverty cuts across all social classes in Africa, so the presidents feel it after presidential treatment.
Rob Shaji, Nigeria

Retired President Moi of Kenya still has some influence within the (now) opposition party KANU. I would strongly suggest Kenyans analyse the Moi experience to avoid making the same mistakes again. Do not let them get away, learn from them and avoid their mistakes.
Wanja Kelm, Germany

Former presidents should be respected because of what they did for a country. However at the same time, when Mugabe becomes a former president, my views will change
Tend, Zimbabwe

Retirement is the time to spend with themselves and relatives, but presidents can be consulted on political matters if the need arises
Richard Nuwordzro, Ghana

Africa cannot afford to forgive them simply because they left power. They need to be brought to trial by society.
Tufa Gemechu, Ethiopia

Presidents are people too. The life after presidency should be retirement.
Kofi Boateng, Ghana

Nelson Mandela, Ketumire Masire, Joachim Chissano, Julius Nyerere, Kenneth Kaunda, yes these are great sons of Africa. At the mention of their names, a face beams with pride and satification because of their achievements.
Kondwani Munthali, Lilongwe, Malawi

When a big tree falls, even goats walk on it Charles Martin Jjuuko, Uganda

Former leaders should avoid humiliation at the hands of their people. There is a proverb that says: "When a big tree falls, even goats walk on it." If our leaders will desist from clinging to power, then we will give honour as is truly deserved.
Charles-Martin Jjuuko, Uganda

Former heads of states should be treated depending on the way they conducted politics during their regime. If they committed atrocities they should be answerable. About being involved in politics, I think they should have just an advisory role.
Rosebell Kagumire, Uganda

The late Julius Nyerere retired to his rural village and played "ajua" (a traditional board game) with his agemates in the evening. What didn't he fear that other African presidents dread?
Michoma Moenga, Kenya/USA

What are these old crooks planning for Africa?!
Kofi Ampomah, U. S.

Presidents like Mandela of South Africa and Oumar Konaré of Mali are allowed in the mainstream of decision making processes in Africa today. Why? Because their country owns them a lot.
Aminata, Guinea

Not only Mandela, but also Alhaji Shehu Gowon of Nigeria are good models of life after the presidency. They use the remaining part of their time in bringing good things and serving as a role model to upcoming generations.
Badmus Abdulwaheed Adekunle, Belgium/Nigeria

Here in Zambia we now have two individuals of total contrast who have since left that office and seem to be fitting in one way or another! We must learn to accept that the people who occupy that office are not superhuman.
Gabriel Chingwe, Lusaka, Zambia

I am happy to learn that someone has come up with clever initiatives to put the former African heads-of- states-for-life to work.
George G. Duo, Liberia

If there was a life before the presidency so certainly there has to be a life after it.
Matovu Mohamed, Belgium

A president like the rest of his/her country men/women should fend for himself after retirement.
Malima K.

Giving statesmen hope for life after the presidency could be more helpful in getting them to step down. A reconciliatory approach with regards to some of their crimes should be the way to handle the situation.
Giles Kisife, Cameroonian student in Sweden

Former presidents should NOT get reinvolved in politics; rather, they should observe what is going on in their country from behind the scenes.
Vivian Ntiri, Canada/Ghana

In the context of the African presidents we need to recognize that its not just their desire to remain in power, but they are in fear of being prosecuted for the crimes they have commited - should we consider Mugabe as an example?
Abubakar Mulumba, Ugandan/UK

Mandela and Shehu Shagari of Nigeria should live with honour. But will you ask Ugandans to restore Idi Amin's name in society? Or Nigerians to wake up Abacha from the dead and rename him a statesman?
Blessing Nwachukwu, Nigeria

One day in my lifetime, Africa will be blessed with a handful of leaders that have the wisdom, exposure, and benevolence needed for one to understand that to hold a public office is to serve the people, not the other way around.
Cy Eze, USA

Many of our former Presidents should go to school and learn sense.
Adee Brenya, Ghana

The answer to this question should be derived from the "Rules of the Game" as set out in the national constitutions and relevant Acts of Parliament.
N.O George, Ethiopia

We Ethiopians are very merciful. We just want them to hug defeat with grace and go. We don't need any revenge. But they still wish to cling to power.
Hagere, Ethiopia

At last 'there is light at the end of the tunnel'. African leaders should have done this long time ago and have the courage to teach the present leaders a sense of peoples' power. The wind of change is now blowing rapidly and Africa is no exception.
Bakebba Camara, UK/Gambia

They should continue to enjoy immunity after retirement as an incentive for them to step down.
Yahya Hashim,

They should not be any immunity, for justice to prevail.
Kissa Mwakibinga, Lilongwe, Malawi.

Most African leaders had no credible profession before they took power, so what can you expect?
Victor Agaviezor Dwight, Nigerian in Germany

The African Statesmen Initiative being launched is long over due and I give credit to the initiators. But this must be made clear that former Presidents with blood on their hands should not be admitted to this club.
Respicus Katongo, Zambia

I was amazed when in 2001 in the centre of Windhoek, Namibia, a friend showed me then president Nujoma, walking along the street, slowly, relaxed, no body guards at first sight, just walking like anybody else. There are not many African leaders who would trust their people enough to expose themselves to that level.
Gandalino Yalo, Angola

Send the corrupt ones to their own farms to work like everybody else. Peter Nehsahn, USA

All non-corrupt former presidents should be retired with full benefits: full security, robust pension, and presidential libraries. Send the corrupt ones to their own farms to work like everybody else. After five years, indict them on corruption charges, try them publicly and fairly (something they denied to others). If found guilty, send them to prison for the rest of their lives. And remember the current Liberian transitional president!
Peter Nehsahn, United States

In Tanzania love & respect is always showered on both the Ex-Presidents - namely the late J K Nyerere & A H Mwinyi - disgarding how reprehensible their goverments were. It will be same case with the current president B W Mkapa whose term ends in a few months time. But all three Presidents are examples to emulate in one or another.
Rajesh Bhatia, Tanzania

The problem in Africa is the element of "witch-hunting" that scares incumbent presidents from leaving office.
Hesi Chikoko, Malawi

Whether one likes it all not, former presidents have gained enormous experience after being in this high office - one would have expected them to play some kind of advisory role.
Robert Opoku, Ghanaian based in Sweden

The truth is that any president goes into office to look for a better life for himself.
Jean-Paul Muana, Congolese in UK

There is always life and prosperity for presidents in Africa because most of them are thieves.
George, London

How can you put a former president aside when, for instance, they have got their faces on the national coins?
Julio Chitunda, United Kingdom

Jerry Rawlings and Sam Nujoma actually presided over democratic rule being introduced and maintained in their respective countries, which is something they should be very very proud of.
Glad, UK

In actual sense there is no permanent position in life. After the presidency there is only life for those who offer selfless service to his masses.
Olukay, NY US

Statesman is not the right word. Dictator would fit most african leaders well. A person like Mandela should be respected, but the rest are gangsters.
Mesfin, Oakland/USA

I would like to thank BBC for its effort to find a remedy for african social and political sickness by presenting different issues like this into discussion.
Dandawe, USA

Some ex presidents have helped their countries out of the mud, but others have them them in darkness, for example Togo.
Kwassi D. Akpladokou, Benin

A Ghanaian proverb says the one who climbs a good tree deserves a big push. If you abused your people whilst in power, you shouldn¿t expect them to accord you any courtesies.
Eric Kwasi Bottah, USA/Ghana

African leaders rule like they have no interest in their own countries Ayind, Congo

Any leader who presents a positive balance sheet would not need to be fearful of his people. But time and again African leaders rule like they have no interest in their own countries.
Ayind, D.R. Congo

There is life after the presidency. An ex-president can use his influence to raise funds for projects that enhance the development of human dignity like ex-president Jimmy Carter of USA. At that point in their lives, there are no tight red tapes to slow down their efforts.
Comfort Adesuwa Ero, Canada/Nigeria

Respect and honor comes from good governance.
Moriah, Mulah, Ivory Coast

It is obvious that most of the bad things done by presidents is due to this promised immunity. And that is why they would want to continue being a president so that they keep on being protected after realising that they could be punished.
Charles Munamie, Lilongwe, MALAWI

Look at the life of former South African president Nelson Mandela. After leading the country for just one term and with the majority of South Africans still wanting him to lead them, he retired and now is leading people the world over in many ways, including the fight against poverty and HIV/Aids.
Wezi phiri, UK

Maradona is still at his ingenious best Haresh Keswani, Nigeria/Tanzania

It is not every African leader who retires that can have the life of the infamous Maradona of Nigeria (where I was born), General Babangida. He played with every rule in the book and carted off billions of dollars. And today, what have you? Maradona is still at his ingenious best.
Haresh Keswani, Tanzania

We have got this problem now in Uganda. President Museveni is trying to remove term limits on presidency in the constitition. He feels that one should remain a president as long as he is still popular among the voters. He has been in power for 20 years but still wants to cling to presidency.The issue has divided the country, his own party, and the cabinet ministers.There have been demonstrations in the country for and against removing term limits on the presidency in Uganda. Nobody knows the way forward on this issue apart from waiting for the president to publicly announce his candidature come 2006.
Abbey Semuwemba, UK

African former heads of state should all be tried for plundering their respective governments resources. Show me an African state that can survive on their resources.....NONE! They all sold us out to the IMF.
Veeno, United Kingdom

They are simply a group of renegades masquerading as elder statesmen.
Victor Nwokocha, The United States

Former heads of state are like "libraries" as we say of the elders in Africa Sidi M. Diawara, Mali

Former Heads of State are like "libraries" as we say of the elders in Africa, especially those who stayed in power for a long time. They are resources to be "used" in democratising the continent, teach in schools and also as guides in their communities they still need to help.
Sidi M. Diawara, Mali

Take for instance the president of Cameroon, Paul Biya, he has been in power for 24 years, changes the constitution to extend his rule, wins fraudulent elections and then expects that his son will take over from him! He never attends African heads of state meetings, never debates or dialogue with his people, the country is hovering on bankruptcy yet his personal fortune is immense. What do you expect him to be if he retires? He sees himself as the African Pontius Pilate.
Paolo Laurent, USA

I don't know. I have never heard of one that did not leave in a coffin.
Nimco, Somalia

It is time for ex-african leaders to get involved in humanitarian work.
Vincent Atchade, USA/Benin

JJ Rawlings has not left office with dignity. He is constant headline news in Ghana for his antics. He interfered in last year's election to the detriment of his own party.
Simon, UK

It goes without saying that those who worked hard to relieve their people from ignorance, disease and poverty should be acclaimed and given the due respect they deserve. In any society, that person who worked tooth and nail for the interests of his people is always lauded, but the one who did nothing to aleviate people's sufferings, will be condemned to shame. How many innocent people have they sent to their graves - if they had one? Many rotted in forests, or were eaten by predators. I cannot imagine such despots claiming to be treated with fairness after office. If we do not make the difference, who will do it in our place?
Gazua George, France/ Uganda

At least we are beginning to count Africa's former presidents who left office constitutionally Eyiinahn Glay, Zahngounla

Oh yes, there is life after the presidency. In fact a far better life...compared to the presidency. For example, you get to sleep peacefully at night (don't have to worry about whether your army is plotting to oust you the next monrning); you become a well respected statesman (provided you left office voluntarily...poor Charles Taylor), and the lot. Life after the presidency in Africa is like life after death--although no one has ever died (please, don't count Jesus) and come back to give account of what it is like at the other end. However, the good news is that Africa is on the right path. At least we are beginning to count Africa's former presidents who left office constitutionally. And it should send a very strong positive message to sitting-presidents, that...yes, there is in fact very good life after the presidency, given you kept your promises to the best of your ability.
Eyiinahn Glay, Zahngounla, Liberia

Let me use this medium to congratulate the new role models of African leadership who without any hesitation or reluctancy handed handed over power when their constitutional terms ended or when their people thought their usefulness had expired.
Robert A. Ocloo, Accra, Ghana

Having our former Presidents come together and address issues affecting the continent is positive, however, if they turn on their successors like what's happening in Malawi, then the country might be distabilized. What we see happening to former leaders in Senegal, Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, Mozambique, South Africa will serve to encourage more leaders in the continent to give up power.
Kiplangat, Kenya

I think, these guys should continue participating in national issues as citizens, it is their constitutional right. Immunity should be attributed to ones record in office and is for the populace to decide.
Allan Gee - Camara, UK

There is life after presidency. After all, it isn't a birth right. Former presidents George Bush Sr. and Bill Clinton, were nominated to lead the tsunami relief effort in the U.S. They are doing a good so far. Clinton is also an advocate for people with HIV/Aids. His foundation is providing medicines for a lot of people in Africa and elsewhere. Former president Carter is a peace advocate. I can only add that retired presidents should stay of politics; they did their time and should move on with their lives.
Omorodion Osula, Boston, USA

Unless we are prepared to provide our leadership in Africa with a safe exit they will not find retirement an exciting option Mrs Zainab Hawa Bangura, Sierra Leone

Unless we are prepared to provide our leadership in Africa with a safe exit (guaranteed security, sufficient economic independence and public profile) they will not find retirement an exciting option. In which case we cannot consolidate democracy and build our countries. Why do you think Obasanjo came back, Ibrahim Babaginda, Nino Viera, Kumba Yalla, Julius Maada Bio and Valentine Strasser all fighting to come? Because they are lost out there in the open. They have lost their indemnity.
Mrs Zainab Hawa Bangura, Sierra Leone

Former presidents in Africa should remain as a medium for bringing the people together and as role model to the youth.
Kwasi Appeaning Addo, UK/Ghana

African leaders should redeem their decrepid image through the African Statesmen Initiative.
Engr.Joseph Bello, Nigeria

It is probably cheaper for countries to set some retirement funds aside for these rulers referred to as "Keep-the-president-honest fund." There is a slim chance that it may keep some honest while in office. There has to be a concerted effort to create life for these rulers or they will choose to remain in office for life.
Charles Okeke, Nevada, USA

Former leaders should concentrate on building their private lives and not unneccessarilly interfere in the governance of their various countries.
Tony Dwamenah, Ghana/UK

In Mozambique the house that had been planned for retired president Chisano is going to be reduced in size. This is unfair.
Enoch Harun Opuka, Manica, Mozambique

It is not so many years ago that Europe had "royalty" that either ruled for life, or were beheaded by a rival "royal".
Erich Todd, USA

These former leaders have a lot to offer and should not be ignored.
Hamid Alsharief, Khartoum/Sudan

Africa is fast discarding the awe and reverence traditionally accorded its leaders. Now, accountability and justice is the vogue. Your actions in office will decide your residence after office - the comfort of your home or the discomfort of the prison.
Charles Wairia, USA/Kenya

Present day Africa is devoid of any democratic sanity unlike in the days of Julius Nyerere. Nowadays, a typical African 'statesman' (as the BBC now chooses to address a set of wealth-acummulating dictators) may walk shoulder high in the same country he has brought to abject poverty.
Nd Vuleo, Sydney/Australia.

The exceptions are Mandela and Aden Abdullah Osman of Somalia Abdisalam, Canada

Many former presedents have blood on their hands and public money in their pockets, except Mr Mandela of South Africa and Aden Abdullah Osman of Somalia - he was the first democratically elected president in Africa and the first to step down peacefully when he lost elections. The rest should ask for forgiveness - they are retired criminals.
Abdisalam, Canada

There is nothing like life after the presidency in Africa. Once tasted, they never want to leave power. In Africa most of the ex-presidents retain power though they are not longer officially elected.
Ezeoke Tochukwu, Germany/Nigeria

Rawlings has made a difference in the life of millions in Africa, especially in Ghana. Passionate and outspoken, he is sometimes on the aggressive side of the criticism barometer especially vis-à-vis the current government. Mr. Rawlings in general has been a good ambassador for Ghana. A certain leader in Zimbabwe could learn a thing or two from him.
Yaw Marfo, Accra, Ghana

I do believe that Africa needs the expertise and experience of good and wise retired presidents, but not of those who were forced to retirement. A despot and corrupt leader has a place only in court and prison and not to enjoy the freedom he denied his compatriots while in office.
Kapinga Ntumba, Harare/Zimbabwe

Former presidents of Africa should watch Mandela and they will know what to do!
Kofi Busia, Ghana

I was astonished when I heard former heads of states are gathering in Mali to talk about promoting democracy & transition in Africa. BBC, are these former Heads of state really positive in what they want to discuss? What about the Liberian head of state? I certainly don't think he should enjoy immunity.
Garnah Browne, USA/Liberian

Prosecute the thugs and honour the great leaders.
Peter Ngugi, Kenya/USA

In truth, the majority of African leaders came from poverty lines, which they ultimately forget after assuming power. Having enmassed a lot of riches makes them vulnerable to the changes of life after the presidency.
Paul Obula

Very relevant question to the wrong audience. Let's rather ask Bongo of Gabon, Biya of Cameroon, Mubarak of Egypt etc.
Dung Ndakwe, South Africa

We need ex-presidents to form a Council of Elders for Africa Kefa Obara, USA

Yes, there is life after presidency. I salute former presidents like Daniel Arap Moi, Jerry Rawlings and Nelson Mandale in their attempt to prove this point. The reason why incumbent presidents try to hold on to power is the fear of "what next"! As the proverbs goes, " the guilty are afraid". Also, there are not enough positive examples of ex-presidents with a productive lifestyle. It is time to change this image. We need ex-presidents to form a Council of Elders for Africa to promote democracy and goodwill.
Kefa Obara, U.S.A

There should be a clear rule of thumb in preserving the immunity of ex-presidents. They must not directly or indirectly engage in political activities. Should this be abrogated, then the dog can be hanged from the tree.
Aleks Takyi, Omaha/Nebraska, USA

Africa has not been blessed with good leaders.
Tadele Alemu, USA

Former leaders who fought for their country and served their people honestly are national treasures. But there is no reason why those brutal, corrupt dictators should be allowed immunity or those that fought their way to power via the gun. The world should not entertain such individuals any more and their treatment should serve as a lesson to others.
M. G. Ashama, UK/Ethiopia

Let's look at recent positive examples of Chissano from Mozambique; Mandela from South Africa; Rawlings from Gana; Nujoma from Namibia and we can see that Africa is changing.
Cunaty , Australia

As they make their bed so shall they lay on it.
Assan Jallow, Gambia

I am always stunned when I see Jerry Rawlings parade himself as a statesman. African leaders, past and present, who have blood in their hands are not statesmen. BBC should call a spade a spade!
Bertram Emekaekwue, USA/Nigeria

I personally appreciate the fact that the former president of Ghana, Rawlings, is keeping himself busy with international work.
Adamu, USA/GHANA

For 90% a nice trial would be fitting. Probably a stay at some of the prisons where they used to house their former foes.
Babacar , USA

Excellent subject! I think any president who at one point decides to leave power voluntarily in Africa should be left alone. One reason some stay there forever is the fear of being trashed down.
Amadou Diallo, Guinea/USA

Ex-presidents should carve an image for themselves whilst in office so that they are not caught by their own misdeeds when out of office. Good leadership and governance whilst in power could afford them the opportunity to serve in other capacities as spokespersons.
Prosper Doamekpor, State College, USA.

They have a wealth of experience to share with incumbent administrations in areas of governance and economic development Godwin Agboka, Ghana

Former heads of states cannot be forced into oblivion when they leave office. They have a wealth of experience to share with incumbent administrations in areas of governance and economic development. Former president Rawlings has extended the scope of his activities by taking up important assisgnments at the UN. Nelson Mandela has also done remarkably well with his role in the fight against the HIV/AIDS pandemic.These actions deserve commendation. Any former president who refuses to contribute to society's development will be doing society a great disservice.
Godwin Agboka, Ghana

For sure, I believe that the retired presidents should live their lives to the fullest. But they should not get involved in 'dirty politics'. Instead they should play the role of being a source of wisdom and knowledge for the younger generation or the country's leadership. I propose that there is need to vote through a referendum at the end of each presidential term to determine whether he/she qualifies for the immunity.
Joseph Riwongole, Kapenguria, Kenya

We need our former heads of state to be respected when their time in the office comes to an end. We need more leaders like Nelson Mandela and Sam Nujoma who retired from their offices honuorably. It's great to emulate good leaders like Bill Clinton too.
Mabior Atem Mabior, Sudan

The reality is that all or most of these so-called African former heads of state came to their post through violence Yusuf Mohamed, USA

The reality is that all or most of these so-called African former heads of state came to their post through violence. In retirement, they are as good as a de-fanged cobra. At least they should be investigated and be held accountable for the wrongs that they've done. After all they had no mercy on us when they were the big men, why should we be merciful?
Yusuf Mohamed, USA

If African head of states are stepping down democratically one problem would be solved. Give others a chance to lead and your country will be on the rise economically. The other problem that is coming to African countries is the question of successors. Some want the children to take power once the father is dead. This is so wrong .
Yien, Sudan/USA

By embracing western democracy, it means that every four to five years, there will always be change in African countries practicing multi-party democracy.The list of former presidents will therefore keep increasing. Good African leaders will enjoy life after the presidency, but for the nation plunderers,crooks and the like, life after the presidency will be like hell for them.
George Meyiri Bob-Milliar, Ghanaian student in the UK

Why not "what to do with former teachers,former nurses ,former valets, former army captains etc Albert Gui, Canada

Why not "What to do with former teachers,former nurses ,former valets, former army captains etc". We don't care about these former head of states. They are civil servants like any body else, If they didn't save for retirement let them be homeless.
Albert Gui, Canada, from Cote d'ivoire.

Most African leaders intends to stay in power for life simply because they cannot afford to miss the spotlight, riches and all the glory that comes with the job.
William Agamiri Daldoum, United States

Based on their performance while in office not all these former presidents qualify to be statesmen. For those that qualify, the transition to being a meaningful contributor post-presidency is natural.
Stephen Njoloma, USA

We should accord our former heads respect as long as they behave in a manner worthy of respect. A "stateman" is not merely a former leader but someone who carries himself with dignity and recognises their role in shaping a country's present-day progress or indeed decline.
Abena, Ghana

I think an independent body should be set up for those who were democratically elected, have been accountable and added to the country's development. This body I believe should be consulted on matters of importance pertaining to national security and economy. This will keep them out of trouble and make them useful while they spend the emblezzed funds from the countries they ruled. As to the question of immunity, I do not think they should contuine to enjoy that once they are out of office. They should be treated as ordinary citizens.
Mary Helen Graves, USA

Former African presidents should be treated just like any other citizen. If they respected the law while in office, they should be left alone once they leave. If they didn't respect the law while in power, they must be prosecuted. Being a former president should not grant you immunity against criminal prosecution.
Charles Matondo, US

Any African President that leaves office with clean hands need not be fearful of his own people Julius Famaks, Barking

African culture encourages gratitude to its past leaders and in some instances immortalises them as gods. Any African President that leaves office with clean hands need not be fearful of his own people.
Julius Famaks, Barking

I totally agree - a man like Charles Taylor (former Liberian President) could never live an ordinary life without fear of reprisal.
Magnate Jinlack, Atlanta/USA

I am astonished that anyone would use the words "statesmen" and "leadership" in describing these rulers, given the level of suffering they have imposed upon our helpless people. Why is the BBC (and the BBC is the best news organization in the world, in my view) always so reluctant to use the correct terminology? These people are no better than gangsters and scoundrels!
UE, UK/Nigeria

There is life after the presidency, I think. We are not used to seeing presidents leave office in Africa because of authoritarianism, however, I think things are changing. Its up to the people to accept them. We can either learn from them to prevent future mistakes or ensure they contribute to help build our countries.
Dr. Kwame Antwi-Boasiako, USA/Ghana

We should have repect for our ex presidents just as if they where still in power and stop embtrassing them
Donald Cooper, Ghana

Former leaders who have ruled their countries with success, growth, peace, development and rule of law should be absorbed into the countries major decision making processes Moro Sanda, Ghana

Former leaders who have ruled their countries with success, growth, peace, development and rule of law should be absorbed into the countries major decision making processes. However if they rejected the principles of good governance, rule of law and effective democratic dispensation and wanted to twist constitution to stay in power or were forced out of office why should such people be allowed into the mainstream of decision making processes?
Moro Sanda, Ghana

I admire former President Rawlings and I think all African leaders should emulate him. He gets himself busy on UN voluntary works and that's good for him.
Harkeem Sulemana, Ghana

The pathway of African leadership usually starts off as revolutionary, corrupt, greedy, manipulators of the law to prolong power and eventually politically influenced death K P Sherman, Liberian in U.S

The fact that the continent of Africa has so few surviving presidents says a lot about the personalities of African leaders. The pathway of African Leadership usually starts off as revolutionary, corrupt, greedy, manipulators of the law to prolong power and eventually politically influenced death. I applaud leaders who change this pathway (namely retired Namibian President Sam Nujoma). As a young African I am hopeful that we can reclaim our legacy if more African presidents consider "LIFE" after office
K P Sherman, Liberian in U.S

Of course there's life after presidency. Former president of Kenya Daniel arap Moi is relatively farming in peace. The presidency is a leadership just like any other profession and termination of tenure is a must. Retired heads of state should be respected and honoured for their contribution during their tenure in office however, they should be held accountable for their deeds like corruption if any. Many former presidents in Africa possess political power even after retirement thus making incumbents president insecure. Its advisable for former president to keep out of active politics. A good example of this is President Mutharika of Malawi who reacts strongly to former president Muluzi 's behind the scenes political movements.
Yussuf Dayib Ali, Nairobi, Kenya

The former President of Ethiopia, Colonel Mengistu Hailemariam...is one former leader who should not be given refuge, let alone immunity Makonnen Ketema, Jamaica

On the issue of giving immunity to leaders who have done wrong, that depends on the situation. For instance, if we look at Kenya, they had to grant immunity to the former president in order to have successful elections and a peaceful transition. There are cases where immunity should not be granted. The former President of Ethiopia, Colonel Mengistu Hailemariam, comes to mind. His regime is responsible for the killings of tens of thousands of Ethiopians, many of whom were aged between 15 and 30. His government went as far as ordering parents to pay for the bullets that killed their children. He is one former leader who should not be given refuge, let alone immunity.
Makonnen Ketema, Jamaica

We have got this problem now in Uganda. President Museveni is trying to remove term limits on presidency in the constitition. He feels that one should remain a president as long as he is still popular among the voters.He has been in power for 20 years but still wants to cling to presidency.The issue has divided the country, his own party, and the cabinet ministers.There have been demonstrations in the country for and against removing term limits on the presidency in Uganda. Nobody knows the way forward on this issue apart from waiting for the president to publicly announce his candidature come 2006.
Abbey Semuwemba, UK