Photo : Longest Serving African Leaders

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Africa has witnessed several leaders holding onto power for extended periods. Whether through constitutional amendments, political maneuvering, or strong public support, some African presidents have remained in office for decades. Here is a detailed look at the longest-serving presidents in Africa as of 2025, their tenure, and the factors that have contributed to their prolonged rule.

1. Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo (Equatorial Guinea) - 46 Years

Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo has been the president of Equatorial Guinea since 1979, making him the longest-serving leader in Africa and one of the longest-serving in the world. He came to power after overthrowing his uncle, Francisco Macías Nguema, in a coup. Under his rule, Equatorial Guinea has seen economic growth, particularly due to its oil resources. However, his presidency has also been marred by allegations of human rights violations, corruption, and suppression of opposition.

2. Paul Biya (Cameroon) - 43 Years

Paul Biya has been in power since 1982. His presidency has been marked by political stability in some areas but also by civil unrest, particularly in the Anglophone regions. Over the years, Biya has won multiple elections, often under controversial circumstances, with accusations of electoral fraud and repression of political opponents. Despite these challenges, he continues to maintain a strong grip on power.

3. Yoweri Museveni (Uganda) - 39 Years

Yoweri Museveni has ruled Uganda since 1986. Initially praised for bringing stability and economic reforms after years of turmoil, his leadership has since been criticized for constitutional changes that removed presidential term limits. Museveni has maintained power through a combination of military influence, political alliances, and suppression of opposition figures.

4. Isaias Afwerki (Eritrea) - 34 Years

Isaias Afwerki has been the leader of Eritrea since the country gained independence from Ethiopia in 1991. Eritrea operates under a one-party system, with no elections held since independence. Afwerki's rule has been characterized by a lack of press freedom, strict military conscription, and ongoing tensions with neighboring Ethiopia. Despite international criticism, he remains in power with firm control over the country's affairs.

5. Denis Sassou Nguesso (Republic of the Congo) - 28 Years

Denis Sassou Nguesso first ruled the Republic of the Congo from 1979 to 1992, before returning to power in 1997 after a civil war. Since then, he has remained in office through constitutional amendments and controversial elections. His tenure has seen economic fluctuations, largely dependent on the oil industry, and ongoing political opposition.

6. Ismail Omar Guelleh (Djibouti) - 26 Years

Ismail Omar Guelleh became the president of Djibouti in 1999. His rule has been marked by strategic international alliances, particularly with the United States and China, due to Djibouti's strategic location near the Red Sea. While his government has been credited with maintaining stability, there have been concerns over political repression and media restrictions.

7. Paul Kagame (Rwanda) - 25 Years

Paul Kagame took office in 2000 after playing a key role in ending the Rwandan genocide in 1994. Under his leadership, Rwanda has transformed economically and socially, becoming one of the fastest-growing economies in Africa. However, his presidency has also been criticized for limiting political opposition and press freedom. Kagame has extended his rule through constitutional reforms that removed term limits.

8. Faure Gnassingbé (Togo) - 20 Years

Faure Gnassingbé became president of Togo in 2005 following the death of his father, Gnassingbé Eyadéma, who had ruled for nearly four decades. His tenure has seen political protests and calls for democratic reforms, though he has maintained control through security forces and constitutional changes.

 

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Factors Contributing to Long-Term Rule in Africa

Several factors contribute to the prolonged rule of these African leaders:

1. Constitutional Amendments

Many leaders have altered their country's constitutions to remove term limits, allowing them to extend their stay in power indefinitely.

2. Political Repression

The suppression of opposition parties, imprisonment of political opponents, and control over electoral commissions have ensured that these leaders face little competition in elections.

3. Control Over Military and Security Forces

A strong grip on the military and security agencies enables these leaders to suppress uprisings and maintain stability in their regimes.

4. Economic Interests

Many of these leaders preside over resource-rich nations, and controlling these resources helps them maintain influence and loyalty among elites.

5. Patronage Systems

By distributing state resources and government positions to loyalists, these leaders secure political support and minimize dissent.

6. Lack of Strong Democratic Institutions

Weak judiciary systems, ineffective legislatures, and restricted press freedom allow these leaders to rule with minimal accountability.

 

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Why do some African leaders stay in power for so long?

Many African leaders extend their rule through constitutional amendments, suppression of opposition, military control, and patronage systems that ensure loyalty from key political figures.

Q2: Which African country has had the longest-serving president?

As of 2025, Equatorial Guinea's Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo is the longest-serving African president, having been in power since 1979.

Q3: Are there any democratic African countries with long-serving leaders?

While some leaders, such as Paul Kagame in Rwanda, have won elections with strong public support, many long-serving leaders have faced allegations of electoral fraud and suppression of opposition parties.

Q4: What are the effects of long-term presidencies on African nations?

Long-term presidencies can lead to political stability but also pose risks such as corruption, lack of political innovation, economic mismanagement, and suppression of civil liberties.

Q5: How do citizens react to long-serving presidents?

Reactions vary; some citizens support these leaders due to stability and development, while others protest against authoritarianism, seeking democratic reforms.

Q6: Is there hope for democratic transitions in Africa?

Yes, there is growing pressure from civil society, international organizations, and younger generations demanding democratic transitions and fair elections in several African nations.

 

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Conclusion

The phenomenon of long-serving presidents in Africa remains a significant political issue. While some of these leaders have brought economic progress and stability, many have done so at the cost of democratic principles. As 2025 unfolds, the push for political change, democratic governance, and term limits remains a critical conversation across the continent. Whether these leaders will continue to hold power or face increasing calls for change will depend on the evolving political landscapes in their respective countries.