Some presidents have led their country for years without considering handling over power for someone else to takeover the affairs of the country.
These leaders have maintained their positions through various means, including electoral processes, constitutional changes, and, in some cases, by suppressing opposition and controlling media and other societal institutions.
Here’s a list of ten of the longest-serving current presidents in the world as of 2024, based on their time in office:
1. Paul Biya (Cameroon) – In office since November 6, 1982. Biya is one of the longest-serving non-royal heads of state in the world and the oldest head of state in Africa.
2. Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo (Equatorial Guinea) – In office since August 3, 1979. Obiang has been in power following a coup that ousted his uncle.
3. Ali Khamenei (Iran) – Supreme Leader since June 4, 1989. As Supreme Leader, Khamenei has the final say over all governmental policies of Iran.
4. Yoweri Museveni (Uganda) – In office since January 29, 1986. Museveni has maintained his position through various elections, some of which have been criticized by observers.
5. Denis Sassou Nguesso (Republic of the Congo) – In office since October 25, 1997, and previously from 1979 to 1992. Sassou Nguesso returned to power after a brief civil war.
6. Idriss Déby (Chad) – In office from December 2, 1990, until his death in April 2021. He was succeeded by his son, Mahamat Déby.
7. Isaias Afwerki (Eritrea) – In office since May 24, 1993, when Eritrea gained independence. Afwerki has ruled without officially instating the constitution or holding elections.
8. Emomali Rahmon (Tajikistan) – In office since November 20, 1992. Rahmon has retained his position through several elections, amidst allegations of electoral fraud.
9. Alexander Lukashenko (Belarus) – In office since July 20, 1994. Lukashenko has been described as Europe’s last dictator, with a strong grip on power in Belarus.
10. Bashar al-Assad (Syria) – In office since July 17, 2000. Assad has remained in power despite a long and brutal civil war.
