Away from regular, lets do an aside.
In most parts of the world, being a president is like renting a flat: you move in, stay for a few years, and then it’s time to pack your bags, whether you like it or not. But in some corners of Africa, certain leaders have made “two terms” feel like a bad joke.
Currently, 8 African presidents continue to lead their nations with what can best be described as a death grip on power — some entering their fifth decade in charge.
Let’s take a slight look at Africa’s longest-serving presidents who probably missed the memo on “handing over power.”
Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo — Equatorial Guinea 47 years in Power. This man took over before most Gen Zs were born and he’s still here! He seized power from his uncle in a 1979 coup and has never looked back. He’s now the longest-serving president in the world.
Paul Biya — Cameroon – Years in Power: 42 At 92, He’s officially the oldest sitting head of state in the world. Guess what? He was re-elected in October 2025 for another 7 year term.
Denis Sassou-Nguesso — Republic of Congo- Combined Years in Power: 41. If not for that five-year break in the ’90s, he would be rivalling Obiang. He lost power, came back through a bloody civil war, and rewrote the Constitution to suit his taste. He was re-elected In March 2026
Yoweri Museveni — Uganda – 39 Years in Power. Museveni once said, “The problem with Africa is leaders who overstay.” Fast forward to today, he is that problem. He’s altered the Constitution twice: first to remove term limits, then age limits. He was re-elected in January 2026 for a seventh term.
Isaias Afwerki — Eritrea- 33 years in Power. He leads a country where no elections, no opposition, no press freedom. Eritrea has just one legal party (his), no national budget that the public can see, and reportedly, one man calling all the shots.
Ismail Omar Guelleh — Djibouti – 26 Years in Power. He’s been firmly seated since the 20th century and changed the Constitution in 2010 to extend his stay. Elections are often boycotted, and when opposition candidates do try, they allege ballot stuffing and intimidation. He was re-elected in April 2026 for a sixth term.
Paul Kagame — Rwanda – 26 years in Power. Kagame divides opinion. He brought stability after the horrors of the 1994 genocide, modernised Rwanda, and has the streets of Kigali cleaner than some Western capitals. But critics argue he stifles dissent and controls the media. A 2015 referendum allows him to stay till 2034.
Faure Gnassingbé — Togo – 19 years in Power: 19, plus 38 from his dad. Togo has been under the Gnassingbé dynasty since 1967. That’s nearly 60 years of one family running the show, it’s less a republic, more a family business. Faure took over after his father died and quickly “adjusted” the Constitution to his benefit. He is no longer formally President, becoming President of the Council in May 2025.
