This archive report was first published on 10 July 2019.
As the world watches Ivanka Trump's rise to power, it's hard not to draw parallels to African politics where family members often hold key positions. In fact, President Donald Trump's behavior is becoming increasingly reminiscent of African leaders who surround themselves with trusted family members.
Take, for instance, the case of President Trump's meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. While Secretary of State Mike Pompeo was noticeably absent, Ivanka Trump was present, sparking questions about her role in the administration.
While it's not uncommon for African governments to have family members in high-level positions, the Trump administration's approach is raising eyebrows. In fact, research has shown that African leaders who accumulate wealth during their tenure often surround themselves with trusted family members, who are often unqualified for the positions they hold.
One such example is the case of Kenya's president, who was elected partly due to his wealthy background. However, research has shown that his administration is one of the most corrupt in the country's history.
Similarly, President Trump's appointment of Ivanka to a high-level position has raised concerns about nepotism. Despite the Federal Anti-Nepotism Law passed in 1967, Trump was able to circumvent it by defining the White House as a department rather than an agency.
As a result, Ivanka was never vetted by the Senate and has no background in foreign policy or international relations. Her job description is also vague, giving her the freedom to be involved in anything she feels like.
While this may seem like a unique situation, it's not the first time that African governments have created positions with vague job titles and no clear criteria. In fact, Kenya's current government has been criticized for appointing individuals to key positions without proper vetting or qualifications.
As the Trump administration continues to navigate the complexities of power, it's clear that the lines between family and politics are becoming increasingly blurred.
— Nerima Wako-Ojiwa is executive director of Siasa Place. Twitter: @NerimaW
