These stalwart leaders from the ‘Cold War’ era prove that when it comes to holding onto power, age is just a number, and democracy is merely a suggestion. As they continue to defy the odds and cling to their thrones with an iron grip, one thing is clear: in the game of African politics, there are no term limits, only eternal rulers and the occasional coup detat.
- Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo – Equatorial Guinea’s Eternal Emperor
Meet Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, the granddaddy of African longevity in leadership. This seasoned ruler has been on Equatorial Guinea’s throne since 1979, back when disco was all the rage. How did he get there, you ask? Well, he simply waved goodbye to his Uncle Francisco Macías Nguema, the former ruler who conveniently disappeared after a not-so-friendly family feud.
Teodoro’s resume boasts a rich history of dictatorship, complete with a dash of brutality and a sprinkle of political oppression. Despite briefly flirting with democracy in the ’90s, he decided it wasn’t really his style and has been running the show solo ever since. Who needs term limits when you’ve got an iron grip on power?
- Paul Biya – Cameroon’s Consistent Controller
Paul Biya, the man who put the “long” in long-serving president. Since 1982, Biya has been Cameroon’s reigning champ, proving that sometimes a good ol’ coup d’état is all it takes to kickstart a lifelong career in politics.
Biya’s early years were marked by a flair for repression, with a side dish of torture and political eliminations. To be fair though, Biya eventually warmed up to the idea of multiparty elections—though he conveniently forgot to leave the presidential seat for anyone else.
- Denis Sassou – Congo’s Eternal Emperor of the Expensive
Denis Sassou, the king of Congo, has been holding court for a mind boggling 36 years. Elected, re-elected, and re-re-elected, Sassou has turned the presidency into his personal cash cow, with a personal fortune rivaling that of a small country.
Critics have accused Sassou of everything from corruption to human rights violations, but why worry about trifles when you’re sitting pretty on the throne? After all, diamonds are a president’s best friend.
- Yoweri Museveni – Uganda’s Unyielding Overlord
Yoweri Museveni, Uganda’s eternal president, has been ruling the roost for 38 years and counting. Since 1986, Museveni has been steering the ship of state with a firm hand, earning praise for economic growth and development—and a side-eye for his increasingly authoritarian tendencies.
Despite calls for term limits and a taste for constitutional amendments, Museveni remains as steadfast as ever in his resolve to rule Uganda until the end of time—or at least until he passes the baton to his grandchildren.
- King Mswati III – Eswatini’s Eternal Monarch
Behold King Mswati III, Eswatini’s answer to royalty. Since 1986, this monarch has been donning his crown and calling the shots, proving that sometimes the simplest solution to political longevity is to be born into it.
In a world of democracies and republics, Mswati III stands as a beacon of tradition, a reminder that sometimes the old ways are the best ways—especially when they involve absolute power and a really fancy hat.
- Isaias Afwerki – Eritrea’s Enduring Enigma
Last but not least, we have Isaias Afwerki, Eritrea’s enigmatic leader since 1993. With a steely resolve and a penchant for keeping his cards close to his chest, Afwerki has turned Eritrea into a mystery wrapped in a riddle, wrapped in an iron fist.
Critics may cry foul over human rights abuses and political repression, but Afwerki remains unfazed, marching to the beat of his own drum and leaving his mark on Eritrea’s history—one crackdown at a time.
