Some African leader and Presidents have ruled their country for years, while some others, after years of ruling, passed down power to their children, here is a detailed write-up on the longest-serving Presidents in Africa.
1. Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo – Equatorial Guinea**
Years in Office: 1979–Present
Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo seized power in a coup in August 1979, ousting his uncle. Since then, he has been the President of Equatorial Guinea, making him the longest-serving president currently in power. His tenure has been criticized for human rights abuses and corruption.
2. Paul Biya – Cameroon
Years in Office: 1982–Present
Paul Biya became President of Cameroon in November 1982 following the resignation of his predecessor. Biya has maintained power through centralized governance and a strong party system. His long rule has been marred by allegations of electoral manipulation and suppression of dissent.
3. Denis Sassou Nguesso – Republic of the Congo
Years in Office: 1979–1992, 1997–Present
Denis Sassou Nguesso has served as the President of the Republic of the Congo for two periods: first from 1979 to 1992 and then from 1997 to the present, after seizing power again. His governance has faced criticism for authoritarian practices and corruption.
4. Yoweri Museveni – Uganda
Years in Office: 1986–Present
Yoweri Museveni has been the President of Uganda since January 1986. He came to power after a successful rebellion against the previous government. Museveni has been praised for economic reforms and significant improvements in public health; however, his extensions of presidential terms have been controversial.
5. Omar al-Bashir – Sudan
Years in Office: 1989–2019
Omar al-Bashir ruled Sudan for nearly 30 years after coming to power in a military coup in 1989. His presidency was marked by numerous conflicts, including the Darfur genocide, which led to his indictment by the International Criminal Court. Bashir was ousted from power by a military coup in April 2019.
6. Idriss Déby – Chad
Years in Office: 1990–2021
Idriss Déby was the President of Chad from December 1990 until his death in April 2021. He took power by leading a rebellion against the previous president. Déby’s rule was characterized by efforts to combat extremist groups and a strong grip on the military. He died from injuries sustained while commanding troops on the front lines.
7. Robert Mugabe – Zimbabwe
Years in Office: 1980–2017
Robert Mugabe was the Prime Minister of Zimbabwe from 1980 to 1987 and then the President from 1987 to 2017. His early years in power were noted for reconciliation and economic growth, but later his presidency faced significant criticism for economic mismanagement, human rights violations, and election tampering. He was ousted by a military coup in November 2017.
8. José Eduardo dos Santos – Angola
Years in Office: 1979–2017
José Eduardo dos Santos was the President of Angola from 1979 to September 2017. During his lengthy tenure, he was credited with using the country’s oil wealth to rebuild Angola after a long civil war. However, his administration was heavily criticized for corruption and nepotism.
9. Hosni Mubarak – Egypt
Years in Office: 1981–2011
Hosni Mubarak ruled Egypt for nearly 30 years. He became President after the assassination of Anwar Sadat in 1981. Mubarak’s rule is noted for its stability and economic growth but was also marked by widespread corruption and political repression. He was deposed during the Arab Spring in 2011.
10. Muammar Gaddafi – Libya
Years in Office: 1969–2011
Muammar Gaddafi seized power in a 1969 coup and ruled Libya until he was overthrown and killed in 2011 during the Libyan Civil War. His rule was one of the longest and most controversial in modern history, known for its repressive nature and the promotion of Gaddafi’s political philosophy.
