Top 10 Longest Serving Presidents in Africa 2024

Many African countries have had leaders who stay in power for a very long time. 

These presidents have managed to stay in power for so long because of things like changing the constitution, cheating in elections, and stopping political opponents from challenging them. 

Despite being in power for so many years, these leaders are often criticised for not respecting people’s rights, being corrupt, and not managing their countries well.

Here is a revised version of the article about the longest-serving presidents in Africa:

1. Teodoro Obiang (45 years) 

Teodoro Obiang, the second president of Equatorial Guinea, has held office since August 1979. He is the longest-serving president not only in Africa but globally. Obiang took power by overthrowing his uncle, Francisco Macías Nguema, in a military coup in 1979.

2. Paul Biya (42 years)

Since November 6, 1982, Paul Biya has been the president of Cameroon, making him the second-longest-serving president in Africa. His leadership, which is supported by France, has faced criticism for human rights issues and a lack of political freedom.

3. Denis Sassou Nguesso (40 years)

Denis Sassou Nguesso has served as the President of the Republic of the Congo for a total of 40 years, with a break between 1992 and 1997. He returned to power after a civil war and is known for his extended tenure.

4. Yoweri Museveni (38 years)

Yoweri Museveni has been Uganda’s president since January 1986, making him one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders. He assumed power after a war that ended previous regimes. Elections under Museveni have often been criticised for lacking fairness and transparency.

5. King Mswati III (38 years)

King Mswati III has been the ruler of Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) since April 1986, when he became the youngest king in the world at that time. He rules jointly with his mother, Queen Mother Ntfombi Tfwala.

6. Isaias Afwerki (31 years) 

Since Eritrea’s independence from Ethiopia in April 1993, Isaias Afwerki has served as its president. His leadership has been marked by severe human rights violations and an indefinite military conscription that has driven many to flee the country.

7. Letsie III (28 years)

King Letsie III of Lesotho has been in power since 1996, following his father’s death. Most of his duties as a constitutional monarch are ceremonial. His coronation was notably attended by Prince Charles.

8. Ismaïl Omar Guelleh (25 years)  

President since 1999, Ismaïl Omar Guelleh of Djibouti was elected after the constitution was amended to allow him multiple terms. His reign has been marred by allegations of electoral misconduct and opposition suppression.

9. Mohammed VI (25 years)

Since the death of his father in July 1999, Mohammed VI has been the King of Morocco. He is a member of the ‘Alawi dynasty and is noted as a Muslim leader globally.

10. Paul Kagame (24 years) 

Paul Kagame has been the president of Rwanda since 2000. Initially Rwanda’s de facto leader after the genocide, Kagame officially became president following his predecessor’s resignation. His governance, though credited with economic growth and stability, has also faced criticism for authoritarian practices.