AFRICA’S LONG SERVING MONARCHS
The head of state of Cameroon, Paul Biya, is arguably the oldest leader in the CEMAC subregion, but when it comes to experience in leadership, he ranks second.
CEMAC currently harbours the oldest and longest-serving leaders in the world.
Equatorial Guinea
The longest-serving ruler in the world now is Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea.
The 83-year-old has ruled for 47 years. Since independence, only one family has ruled the oil-rich country.
Obiang Nguema Mbasogo came to power through a violent coup d’état in which he killed his uncle, Francisco Macías Nguema, who was the previous ruler.
Likely, the Nguemas are not letting power go any time soon. Though Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo has ruled for close to half a century, he has appointed his son as vice president, who will eventually take over when he can no longer execute the functions of his office.
Cameroon
The cocoa-producing country prides itself on having the oldest leader in the world.
Paul Biya, 93, has ruled the country since 1982. He is the second-longest-serving head of state after Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea.
Paul Biya was declared the winner in one of the country’s most disputed elections last year. His current term will expire in 2032.
Recently, the post of vice president was reintroduced, and there are fears that he might appoint his son, Frank Biya, to take over.
Republic of the Congo
This country has seen several leaders, but only one stands out.
Denis Sassou-Nguesso, now 82 years old, has ruled the nation for 42 years.
He is the third-longest-serving ruler in the region.
Unlike others who have ruled uninterrupted, Sassou-Nguesso first came to power in 1979. He ruled for 13 years and left. Then in 1997, he returned and has since been the leader. He was recently sworn in for another term, which might see him extend his rule beyond 2032
