Here is a detailed write-up on the longest-serving presidents in the world.
1. Paul Biya – Cameroon
Years in Office: 1982–Present
Paul Biya has been the President of Cameroon since November 6, 1982. His presidency is characterized by an authoritarian regime marked by a centralized government and limited political freedoms. Despite controversies, including alleged election rigging and suppression of opposition, Biya remains one of the longest currently serving non-royal national leaders in the world.
2. Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo – Equatorial Guinea
Years in Office: 1979–Present
After seizing power in a coup in 1979, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo has been ruling Equatorial Guinea with an iron fist. His tenure has been marred by accusations of human rights abuses and rampant corruption, yet he maintains a tight grip on power, supported by substantial oil revenues.
3. Ali Khamenei – Iran
Years in Office: 1989–Present
As Supreme Leader of Iran, Ali Khamenei has significant influence over all branches of government, the military, and the media. Khamenei’s role, which he assumed on June 4, 1989, combines religious authority and political power, shaping Iran’s domestic and foreign policies.
4. Denis Sassou Nguesso – Republic of Congo
Years in Office: 1979–1992, 1997–Present
Denis Sassou Nguesso has served as the President of the Republic of Congo for two non-consecutive terms, his second term beginning in 1997 after a brief civil war. His rule has seen economic improvements but is also criticized for authoritarian practices and lack of political pluralism.
5. Yoweri Museveni – Uganda
Years in Office: 1986–Present
Yoweri Museveni has been President of Uganda since January 29, 1986. Museveni was initially celebrated for bringing stability and economic growth. However, his lengthy rule has increasingly been viewed as autocratic, with amendments to the constitution to remove presidential age limits and extend his presidency.
6. Hun Sen – Cambodia
Years in Office: 1985–Present
Hun Sen, the Prime Minister of Cambodia since January 14, 1985, is one of the world’s longest-serving prime ministers. His tenure is noted for economic progress but also criticized for political repression, including silencing dissent and manipulating elections to maintain his party’s dominance.
7. Omar al-Bashir – Sudan
Years in Office: 1989–2019
Omar al-Bashir ruled Sudan for nearly 30 years after taking power in a military coup in 1989. His regime was marked by the brutal handling of conflicts in Darfur and South Sudan, leading to allegations of genocide. Bashir was ousted in a military coup amid widespread protests in 2019.
8. Robert Mugabe – Zimbabwe
Years in Office: 1980–2017
Robert Mugabe was Prime Minister of Zimbabwe from 1980 to 1987 and then President from 1987 to 2017. Mugabe’s initial years were marked by reconciliation and economic recovery, but later his presidency was dominated by economic collapse and accusations of human rights violations.
9. Josip Broz Tito – Yugoslavia
Years in Office: 1953–1980
Tito was the leader of Yugoslavia from the end of World War II until his death in 1980. His leadership was marked by a non-aligned stance during the Cold War and a strong, albeit authoritarian, internal policy that kept ethnic nationalism under control until his death.
10. Lee Kuan Yew – Singapore
Years in Office: 1959–1990
Lee Kuan Yew served as the Prime Minister of Singapore from 1959 until 1990, overseeing its separation from Malaysia and subsequent rapid economic growth. Lee’s governance style was pragmatic and focused on meritocracy, although it also included strict controls over press and political freedoms.
These leaders, with their extended tenures, have shaped the political landscapes of their countries in profound ways, with lasting impacts on global politics and governance
