Africa's Longest-Serving Leaders 2025
In Africa, where political power struggles are common, some leaders have managed to maintain their grip on power for decades.
Here are the top 5 longest-serving African leaders, who have been in office for a combined total of over 200 years.
1. Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, Equatorial Guinea - (46 years)
Obiang Nguema Mbasogo seized power in 1979 after overthrowing his uncle in a military coup, making him the longest-serving president in Africa and the world.
2. Paul Biya, Cameroon - (43 years)
Biya has been president of Cameroon since 1982 and is currently serving his seventh consecutive term, with his regime accused of election fraud and human rights abuses.
3. Denis Sassou Nguesso, Republic of the Congo - (41 years)
Sassou Nguesso has spent 41 years in office, although not consecutively, first serving from 1979 to 1992 and returning to power in 1997.
4. Yoweri Museveni, Uganda - (40 years)
Museveni has been president of Uganda since 1986, after winning a war that toppled Milton Obote and Idi Amin, with his government criticized for human rights abuses and electoral irregularities.
5. King Mswati III, Eswatini - (39 years)
King Mswati III has been the monarch of Eswatini since 1986, when he was just 18 years old, with his rule marked by human rights abuses and suppression of political opposition.
These leaders have been in power for extended periods due to a combination of factors, including constitutional changes, electoral fraud, and the suppression of political opposition. Despite the length of their tenure, some of these leaders have been criticized for human rights abuses, corruption, and poor governance.
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