The longest serving African leaders in 2025: Presidents who have ruled for over 30 years
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Across the diverse tapestry that is Africa, a continent rich in culture and history, the realities of governance often invoke spirited discussions. It is intriguing to consider that while the general retirement age in most African nations hovers around 60, some leaders remain in power well beyond these years. This leads us to ponder: what drives these figures to extend their tenure, and what implications does this have on the countries they govern? Let’s take a closer look at the African presidents who have held onto power for more than three decades, shaping both the political landscape and the lives of their citizens.
Longest Serving African Leaders in 2025
A picture of resilience, or perhaps a complex tapestry woven with threads of power and legacy, is what encapsulates the leadership of Paul Biya. Since November 6, 1982, Biya has been the pillar of Cameroon’s political scene. Age seems an arbitrary number to him, as he holds the title of the second-longest reigning president in Africa and the oldest current non-royal national leader in the world. His tenure, graced with the label of modern monarchy, raises questions: does age bring wisdom, or merely perpetuate stagnation?
Paul Biya, Who Has Steered Cameroon For Over Four Decades2. Teodoro Nguema Mbasogo (Equatorial Guinea) – 45 YearsEmerging from military ranks, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo is no ordinary statesman. Since August 3, 1979, Mbasogo has pronounced his presidential decree over Equatorial Guinea. With a history-making presidency, he holds the record as the longest-serving president in contemporary global history. One might wonder, how does his leadership perception vary locally and internationally? Surely, a leader who has ruled for so long must have a unique narrative.
Teodoro, Leading for Over Four Decades: A Tale of Power and Duration3. Denis Sassou Nguesso (Republic of Congo) – 39 YearsCelebrated yet controversial, Denis Sassou Nguesso of the Republic of Congo has epitomized leadership since claiming power almost 40 years ago. His era, characterized by wielding executive power with limited checks, colors his legacy. Amidst periodic unrest, Sassou Nguesso holds steadfast, leaving a lingering question: at what cost does longevity in leadership come?
Denis Sassou Nguesso, Balancing Power and Governance Over Decades4. Yoweri Museveni (Uganda) – 39 YearsBorn in the chaotic chapters of Uganda’s history, Yoweri Museveni played key roles in toppling notorious leaders like Idi Amin and Milton Obote. With a narrative that captures heroics yet stirs controversy, Museveni’s decision to abolish presidential term limits in 2005 gives rise to concerns about autocratic governance. His journey from a rebellion icon to a steadfast ruler provokes thought: is this evolution a testament to adaptability or despotism?
Yoweri Museveni: From Revolutionist to a Controversial Statesman5. Isaias Afwerki (Eritrea) – 32 YearsKnown for his iron-willed rule, Isaias Afwerki became the first and only president of Eritrea post-independence in 1993. His dominion, often lambasted as oppressive, lacks the democratic demarcations most are familiar with. Under Afwerki’s leadership, Eritrea turns the world’s eye towards issues of human rights and governance. Is an enduring presidency a vestige of stability or an impediment to liberty?
Isaias Afwerki: A Figure of Power in Eritrea’s Singleton System
