With the news that Ivory Coast President Alassane Ouattara is seeking to run for a fourth term in office at 83, and Cameroon’s Paul Biya, at 92, seeking an eighth term, we discuss the longest-serving African presidents. The continent is grappling with leaders who have refused to hand over power and employ underhanded tactics to maintain their grip on the country’s top seat, much to the disappointment of their citizens. Most of these leaders operate with an iron fist as they impose themselves on the population.
Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo (Equatorial Guinea)
- In Power Since: August 3, 1979
- Years in Power: 45+ years (as of 2025)
In 1979. Teodoro Obiang participated in a coup that led to the overthrow of his uncle, Francisco Maciá Nguema, after which he took over the reins of power. This makes him the longest-serving president in Africa and the world. Under his long-term reign of power, the country has become one of Africa’s largest oil producers, but only a few people enjoy this wealth. On the contrary, he has been accused of human rights abuses, nepotism and election malpractice.
Become an insider. Subscribe to our newsletter for more top trending stories like this!
Also Read: Remembering Muhammadu Buhari: A Reflection on the Life and Leadership of Nigeria’s Former President
Paul Biya (Cameroon)
- In Power Since: November 6, 1982
- Years in Power: 42+ years (as of 2025)
Paul Biya has announced his intentions to run for another election in October. He is 92, and if he wins, he might be in office until he is 100, a sad state of affairs for Cameroonians. His health has become a subject of speculation after he went missing for 42 days. Furthermore, Biya is accused of spending much of his time abroad, instead of serving his nation.
Also Read: Who is John Dramani Mahama? From Teacher to Ghana’s Visionary Leader
Yoweri Museveni (Uganda)
- In Power Since: January 29, 1986
- Years in Power: 39 years (as of 2025)
Uganda’s Yoweri Museveni is among the longest-serving presidents in Africa. He is almost clocking 40 years, and he doesn’t seem interested in relinquishing power. Museveni took over power after a prolonged civil war with a promise to restore democracy and stability. Celebrated as a reformer, most wouldn’t envision that he would turn into a dictator and cling to power. He abolished presidential term and age limits, enabling him to run indefinitely.
Also Read: Celebrating World Vegan Day: Recipes, Myths, and Motivation to Try Veganism
Denis Sassou Nguesso (Republic of the Congo)
- First Tenure: 1979–1992; Second Tenure: 1997–present
- Years in Power: 40+ years combined
Denis Sassou Nguesso first came to power in 1979 and lost the 1992 elections, ending his first stint as the country’s president. He was an opposition leader for five years before he reclaimed power in 1997. His rebel forces ousted Pascal Lissouba, and he has been in power since. His leadership has been criticized for various things, including corruption. Suppression of political freedoms and wealth inequality. In 2015, Sassou removed age and term limits, allowing him to rule indefinitely.
Join our Spotcovery Global Black Community Facebook Group for early access to exclusive content and to share in a lively discussion.
Robert Mugabe (Zimbabwe)
- In Power: 1980–2017
- Years in Power: 37 years
The late Robert Mugabe, once Zimbabwe’s liberation leader, stayed in power too long to become the villain. Under his reign, the country’s economic system collapsed, there was repression of dissenting voices, controversy surrounding land, widespread sanctions, among other issues. Mugabe was accused of election fraud multiple times as he ensured the opposition couldn’t compete. However, his reign in power ended after a military coup in 2017,
Become an insider. Subscribe to our newsletter for more top trending stories like this!
Omar al-Bashir (Sudan)
- In Power: 1989–2019
- Years in Power: 30 years
In 1989, Omar al-Bashir took over power in a coup from the democratically elected president Sadiq al-Mahdi. He held onto power until 2019. He was also removed through a coup. Al-Bashir was accused of election fraud and genocide. After his ouster, he was arrested, tried and convicted of corruption. He is also reportedly facing genocide charges at the International Criminal Court (ICC) for war crimes in Darfur.
Also Read: Give back to Your Community on National DIY Day With These 10 Amazing Hacks
Idriss Déby (Chad)
- In Power: 1990–2021
- Years in Power: 31 years
Déby took power through a rebellion and maintained a stronghold on Chad for three decades. He was a key ally of Western powers in the fight against Islamist extremism in the Sahel. He died on the battlefield in 2021 while leading troops against rebels.
The Shifting Tide
These are the longest-serving presidents in Africa. While they have managed to cling onto power and instil fear among their citizenry so they wouldn’t retaliate, a growing wave of youth-led political activism and digital mobilization that is threatening such dynasties and might change how leadership is done in the continent.
Nearly 80% of consumers visit directories with reviews to find a local business. List your business for free in our exclusive Spotcovery Black-Owned Business Directory.
Spotcovery offers unique and fresh daily content on Black culture, lifestyle, and experiences. We talk about everything black, black people, black-owned and black-owned businesses. We also deliver authentic and relevant content that will inform, inspire, and empower you! The future of black media is critical to today’s black experience! Our primary audience includes African Americans, Africans, Afro-Caribbean, and people of African heritage. Black culture is for the culture!
Become an insider. Subscribe to our newsletter for more top trending stories like this!
