Gabon’s former President Ali Bongo has announced his withdrawal from politics. In a letter to the Gabonese people, Bongo confirmed his withdrawal from political life and called for the release of his wife, Sylvia, and son, Noureddin, who are detained on corruption charges. Ali Bongo is the son of Omar Bongo who was president of Gabon. In Congo President Denis Sassou-Nguesso appointed his son Denis-Christel as a cabinet minister - a move that has revived media speculation that he has a dynastic succession in mind. In this conversation we will be discussing why African leaders are obsessed with creating dynasties within democracies.  Lerato Mbele spoke to Advocate Sipho Mantula.