Anthills Of The Savannah

Anthills of the Savannah suggests that absolute power transforms even well-intentioned leaders into tyrants who lose touch with the people they ostensibly serve. In his portrayal of His Excellency’s regime and Kangan writ large, Achebe demonstrates how unchecked authority creates a cycle of paranoia and oppression that contaminates entire systems of governance and ultimately destroys both ruler and ruled.

The novel traces His Excellency’s metamorphosis from the idealistic young man known as Sam. Chris recalls their school days when Sam possessed “a kind of spiritual purity” and seemed “so perfect and so unreal” (60). However, once in power and surrounded by advisors who deferred to his ideas rather than challenging him, he became a paranoid autocrat obsessed with loyalty and control. Early in the novel, Chris reflects, “[P]erhaps, like me, [Okong] meant well, neither of us having been present before at the birth and grooming of a baby monster” (10), implying that sycophancy has played a large role in Sam’s change in character. This transformation accelerated after Sam’s exposure to other African leaders at his first Organization of African Unity meeting, where he became fascinated with figures like President Ngongo. Sam’s adoption of authoritarian mannerisms, including increasing isolation within the Presidential Palace, reveals how power seduces leaders away from their original ideals.