Many African nations have seen long-serving leaders who have maintained their grip on power for decades, often through constitutional changes, military strength, or political maneuvering. Here’s a countdown of Africa’s longest-serving presidents who are still alive.
10. Ismaïl Omar Guelleh (Djibouti)
Years in power: 1999 – Present (25+ years)
Ismaïl Omar Guelleh has been the president of Djibouti since 1999. Guelleh took over from his uncle, Hassan Gouled Aptidon, who had been in power since the country’s independence. Known for maintaining Djibouti’s strategic alliance with foreign powers, Guelleh has consolidated his power through controversial elections, winning multiple terms.
9. Ali Bongo Ondimba (Gabon)
Years in power: 2009 – Present (15+ years)
After the death of his father, Omar Bongo, who ruled Gabon for 41 years, Ali Bongo Ondimba succeeded him in 2009. His rise to power marked a continuation of the Bongo dynasty, which has ruled Gabon for over half a century. Despite political opposition and controversy surrounding election results, Bongo remains at the helm of the oil-rich central African country.
8. Abdel Fattah el-Sisi (Egypt)
Years in power: 2014 – Present (10+ years)
A former army general, Abdel Fattah el-Sisi came to power after a military coup ousted President Mohamed Morsi in 2013. Sisi officially assumed the presidency in 2014 and has since been re-elected, often amid criticism of human rights violations and repression of political opposition. He is credited with stabilizing Egypt after the tumultuous Arab Spring period.
7. Paul Kagame (Rwanda)
Years in power: 2000 – Present (24+ years)
Paul Kagame became the president of Rwanda in 2000, following his role as leader of the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), which ended the 1994 genocide. Kagame is praised for Rwanda’s economic progress and political stability under his leadership, though critics argue that his extended rule and constitutional amendments have stifled democratic opposition.
6. Denis Sassou Nguesso (Republic of Congo)
Years in power: 1979 – 1992, 1997 – Present (40+ years in total)
Denis Sassou Nguesso has ruled the Republic of Congo for over four decades in two separate stints. Initially coming to power in 1979, he was overthrown in 1992 but returned to power through a civil war in 1997. Sassou Nguesso has maintained his grip on power ever since, often through controversial elections and constitutional changes.
5. Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo (Equatorial Guinea)
Years in power: 1979 – Present (45+ years)
Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo took power in Equatorial Guinea after overthrowing his uncle, Francisco Macías Nguema, in a 1979 coup. Obiang’s long reign has been marked by human rights abuses and corruption, yet he remains one of the continent’s longest-serving leaders. Equatorial Guinea is rich in oil, and Obiang has maintained control through both military strength and wealth.
4. Yoweri Museveni (Uganda)
Years in power: 1986 – Present (38+ years)
Yoweri Museveni has ruled Uganda since 1986 after leading a successful rebellion that ousted the previous government. Initially praised for stabilizing the country and fostering economic growth, Museveni’s long rule has been marred by accusations of authoritarianism. He has removed term limits and won multiple disputed elections, ensuring his hold on power.
3. King Mswati III (Eswatini)
Years in power: 1986 – Present (38+ years)
King Mswati III, the last absolute monarch in Africa, has ruled the small kingdom of Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) since 1986. Known for his lavish lifestyle and multiple wives, Mswati has faced increasing domestic and international pressure for democratic reforms. Despite the monarchy’s tight control over political life, protests have grown in recent years against his authoritarian rule.
2. Paul Biya (Cameroon)
Years in power: 1982 – Present (42+ years)
Paul Biya has been the president of Cameroon since 1982, making him one of the world’s longest-serving leaders. Under Biya, Cameroon has experienced relative stability but also widespread corruption and authoritarian rule. He has won several elections that have been criticized for irregularities, and his extended presidency is often marked by crackdowns on political opposition.
1. Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo (Somalia)
Years in power: 2017 – Present (7+ years)
Serving as Somalia’s leader
https://www.africanexponent.com/africas-longest-serving-presidents-alive-in-2024/
