NEWS & POLITICS
Why some African leaders cling to power — and what it means for the continent’s future
Across Africa, a persistent question looms: why do so many leaders overstay in power? While the familiar refrain is that "power is sweet," the roots run deeper. Many African states evolved from kingdoms and chieftaincies where authority was unquestioned and lifelong, an ethos that continues to shape modern politics.
Michael Oduor
Today, democracy is backsliding in several countries as long-serving presidents rewrite constitutions, suppress dissent, and entrench authoritarian rule. The consequences are visible: corruption, conflict, shrinking civic space, and stalled development.
Guinea's emerging strongman
Guinea is the latest country to follow this trend. In a September 2025 referendum, the West African nation approved a new constitution extending presidential terms from five to seven years—effectively lengthening the tenure of transitional leader Mamady Doumbouya, who seized power in a 2021 coup.
If implemented as written, the new charter could allow Doumbouya to remain in office for up to 20 years, despite critics insisting that his candidacy breaches the transition agreement meant to restore civilian rule.
Decades-Long Presidencies Across Africa
Several African leaders have already turned constitutional manipulation into a political art form:
- Uganda: President Yoweri Museveni, 80, has removed term limits and age caps, positioning himself to rule for nearly 50 years.
- Cameroon: Paul Biya, who has ruled Cameroon since 1982, removed presidential term limits in 2008 and was recently re-elected, an outcome critics say was engineered in his favor. Opposition figures, including Maurice Kamto, are frequently blocked from contesting elections.
- Equatorial Guinea: Teodoro Obiang, the world's longest-serving president at 45 years, has transformed the state into a family dynasty while much of the population lives in poverty.
- Republic of Congo: Denis Sassou Nguesso, 80, has ruled for most of the past 45 years, presiding over economic decay, repression, and deepening inequality.
These leaders often rely on constitutional changes, election rigging, and intimidation to maintain power.
The Cost of Endless Rule
The impact of prolonged leadership is profound:
- Uganda: dissenters are jailed or killed; press freedom is nearly extinct.
- Cameroon: infrastructure remains neglected, with failing roads, sewage systems, and constant blackouts.
- Republic of Congo: despite oil wealth, citizens face fuel shortages and severe poverty.
- Equatorial Guinea: the Obiang family faces global accusations of corruption and exploitation.
Across the region, mismanagement and repression have eroded public trust and undermined institutions.
What Africa Must Do
For Africa to break this cycle, citizens and institutions must reject politics rooted in tribal loyalty and personal rule. Stronger accountability is essential, even when leaders attempt to capture the judiciary or silence critics.
Young Africans, who make up the majority of the continent's population, must be central to political participation and leadership development. Civic education, grassroots involvement, and digital activism are critical tools in shaping a more democratic future.
A Cautious Hope
Despite the challenges, there is growing optimism. A new generation of leaders is emerging, while technology and social media are empowering citizens with information and platforms to challenge injustice.
Future regimes may find it harder to govern with an iron fist as populations become more informed and mobilised. The path forward will not be easy, but the potential for a more accountable and democratic Africa remains within reach.
