The Longevity of Power: Africa's serving 'presidents for life'

Unfortunately, this trend has led to increased coups, further fueled by widespread corruption and poverty plaguing the continent. For instance, in Guinea, a staggering 55 per cent of the population lived below the poverty line in 2019, while in Congo, the figure stood at an estimated 47 per cent.

Despite calls for democratic reforms, the continent continues to grapple with the repercussions of prolonged leadership, undermining efforts towards democracy and stability.

In 2023, the prolonged tenure of African leaders became evident, with five sitting heads of state having ruled for over three decades each. Notable among them were Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea, Paul Biya of Cameroon, Denis Sassou Nguesso of the Republic of Congo, Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, Isaias Afwerki of Eritrea, and José Eduardo dos Santos of Angola

Gabon and Togo had witnessed a dynastic rule spanning more than fifty years. For instance, Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa extended his family's influence by appointing close relatives to his cabinet following his reelection in 2023.

Here are highlights of some leaders who have made staying longer in power a norm.

Teodoro Obiang Nguema of Guinea

Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo has ruled Equatorial Guinea since 1979, making him the world's longest-standing president. His rise to power through a military coup ousted his uncle, Francisco Macias Nguema, the country's first leader. However, his regime has been heavily criticised for its repressive and authoritarian rule, leading some to label Equatorial Guinea as the "North Korea of Africa." He has also appointed his son, Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, as vice president.

Paul Biya of Cameroon

President Paul Biya of Cameroon follows closely, serving as the second-longest-serving leader since 1982. Despite surviving a coup attempt in 1984, Biya's presidency has faced scrutiny for its longevity and governance issues.

President Omar Bongo of Gabon

President Omar Bongo Ondimba of Gabon held power for nearly forty-two years, from 1967 until his passing in 2009. Following his demise, his son, Ali Bongo Ondimba, continued the family's rule for another fourteen years until August 2023. Amid corruption scandals conflict in the country's east under his presidency is considered one of the deadliest conflicts since World War II.

Denis Sassou Nguesso of the Republic of Congo

Denis Sassou Nguesso has been a fixture in Congolese politics for over thirty-seven years, amending the constitution in 2015 to remove term limits, allowing him to maintain his grip on power.

Yoweri Museveni of Uganda

Yoweri Museveni is the only president a quarter of Uganda’s population under the age of 35 years has known. He has been Uganda's president since 1986, during which he has overseen a period of peace and significant developmental progress. However, his prolonged stay in power, marked by manipulation of institutions, has drawn criticism. Recent changes removing the age limit for the presidency suggest he could remain in power for life.

Isaias Afwerki of Eritrea

Isaias Afwerki has been the only President of Eritrea since the country gained independence in April 1993, making him the only leader Eritreans have known during their independent history. With three decades in power, Afwerki has never faced an election and is known for stifling dissent and arbitrarily arresting opponents without due process of law. Additionally, Eritreans under his presidency are expected to serve a mandatory 18-month military service which often extends indefinitely.

The issue persists because leaders are utilising tactics such as "constitutional coups" to secure longer terms in office. Many African countries have resorted to tactics such as amending constitutions to reset term limits, removing age restrictions, or creatively reinterpreting constitutional provisions. These measures, often controversial, perpetuate authoritarian regimes in a region where poverty remains pervasive.