Overview of some of the longest-serving
presidents in power in Africa.
1 .Biang (43 years) - Cameroon.
Biang seized power
in a coup on August 3, 1979, making him Africa's longest-serving leader. At the
age of 80, he is set to run for an unprecedented sixth term, maintaining
control for an impressive 43 years. Biang governs with an iron fist,
suppressing dissent and tightly controlling his inner circle.
2 .Denis Sassou Nguesso (38 years) - Republic of the Congo.
Denis Sassou
Nguesso, 78, has been in power for 38 years, though not consecutively.
Initially serving as president from 1979 to 1992, he returned to office in 1997
after a civil war. With subsequent re-elections, including the most recent in
2022, he has marked four terms in total.
3 .Yoweri Museveni (36 years) - Uganda.
Yoweri Museveni,
78, has led Uganda for 36 years since January 1986. Successfully securing a
sixth term in January 2021 after a contested campaign, he benefited from a
Supreme Court ruling that abolished the age ceiling of 75, allowing him to
continue his presidency.
4 .King Mswati III (36 years) - Kingdom of Eswatini.
King Mswati III has
ruled Africa's last absolute monarchy, Eswatini, for 36 years. Ascending to the
throne in April 1986 at the age of 18, he has maintained a firm grip on power,
overseeing a traditional monarchy amid calls for democratic reforms.
5 .Isaias Afwerki (29 years) - Eritrea.
Isaias Afwerki, 76,
has governed Eritrea with an iron fist since its independence in May 1993. His
29-year rule reflects a centralized leadership style, marked by strict control
over the political landscape and limited tolerance for dissent.
These leaders, with their extensive tenures, have shaped the
political landscapes of their respective countries, garnering both support and
criticism. The prolonged periods in power have often led to discussions on
governance, succession, and the overall dynamics of leadership in Africa.
