Africa has seen several presidents who have remained in power for extended periods.

These long-serving presidents often maintain their positions through a mix of constitutional amendments, electoral manipulation, and suppression of political opposition.

Below are the top 10 longest-serving presidents and monarchs in Africa as of 2024.

1. Teodoro Obiang (45 years)

Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, the President of Equatorial Guinea, holds the record as the longest-serving president in Africa and globally. He has been in power since August 1979, after a military coup that deposed his uncle, Francisco Macías Nguema. Obiang’s tenure has been marked by accusations of human rights abuses and corruption.

2. Paul Biya (42 years)

Paul Biya has been the President of Cameroon since November 6, 1982. As the second-longest-ruling president in Africa, Biya’s administration is heavily supported by France, which has provided military aid and training. His tenure has faced criticism over electoral fraud and governance issues.

3. Denis Sassou Nguesso (40 years)

Denis Sassou Nguesso of the Republic of the Congo has served as president for a total of 39 years, although not consecutively. His first term was from 1979 to 1992, and he returned to power in 1997 following a civil war. Nguesso’s long rule is characterized by allegations of corruption and authoritarianism.

4. Yoweri Museveni (38 years)

Yoweri Museveni has been the President of Uganda since January 1986, making him the fourth-longest-serving president in Africa. Museveni rose to power after a successful military campaign against previous regimes. His leadership has been criticized for alleged election rigging and suppression of dissent.

5. King Mswati III (38 years)

King Mswati III of Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) ascended to the throne on April 25, 1986, at the age of 18. He is one of the world’s longest-reigning monarchs, co-ruling with his mother, Queen Mother Ntfombi Tfwala. His reign has been marked by ongoing debates over democratic reforms and human rights.

6. Isaias Afwerki (31 years)

Isaias Afwerki has been the President of Eritrea since its independence from Ethiopia in April 1993. His rule is noted for its long duration and the country’s lack of national elections, contributing to ongoing criticisms regarding human rights and governance.

7. Letsie III (28 years)

King Letsie III of Lesotho became monarch in October 1997, following the death of his father, Moshoeshoe II. As a constitutional monarch, his role is largely ceremonial, but he remains one of the longest-serving rulers in Africa.

8. Ismaïl Omar Guelleh (25 years)

Ismaïl Omar Guelleh has been President of Djibouti since 1999. He succeeded his uncle, Hassan Gouled Aptidon, who had ruled since the country’s independence. Guelleh has faced allegations of extending his presidency through questionable means and electoral practices.

9. Mohammed VI (25 years)

King Mohammed VI of Morocco began his reign on July 23, 1999, following the death of his father, King Hassan II. As one of the most influential Muslim leaders globally, Mohammed VI’s reign has focused on modernization efforts and economic reforms, though it has also faced criticisms.

10. Paul Kagame (24 years)

Paul Kagame has been the President of Rwanda since April 2000. Kagame, who had been the de facto leader since 1994, took office officially following the resignation of then-President Bizimungu. His administration is credited with economic growth and development, though it faces scrutiny over political freedoms and human rights.

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