The story here in most African countries is weird. Its like the only time these politicians seem to care is when election is approaching. They visit us, give us empty promises and a whole lot. Funny enough, they are voted for massively. Then once they are in power, we are out of the picture. In my country for instance, apart from what I was taught back in school, I cant really pinpoint the essence of the Legislature. From my observation, this has become a cycle. Its like instead of them bringing up policies that will improve lives, they waste resources just like that and master how to make us vote for them when the time comes.
My worry is, are we naive or thats just how the game of politics is played?
Why are you surprised?, Latin America is the same, my country is copying Zimbabwe in most things, especially the economy...
Maybe it has something to do that these lands were once colonies, maybe its the "too nice" weather of the tropics, i have no idea. The poorest countries unsurprisingly have the worst politicians and the most corruption.
And yes the politicians here do exactly as you describe, until they can mend things so they can remain in power regardless of elections...
If people protest they get killed. Who is going to defend the protesters, US? Russia? pff they are busy with their own matters. No one cares.
Sometimes there are internal disputes, mostly the military intervenes and a new gov is installed. Then things repeat all over again, never to improve. And you get people emigrating, which the "nice" countries complain about but do nothing of significance. People wouldn't be risking their lives emigrating if their country of origin conditions weren't so bad in the first place. But you know, sovereignty, allies, yadda, yadda, the UN is for decoration and endless speeches that amount to nothing. The Security council is a joke with the veto members, nothing ever gets done unless its some (no one cares) half island in the Caribbean no one bothers vetoing sending troops.
We all live in oppression by the State.