The death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, after 37 years in power, has reignited conversations about the phenomenon of long-serving leaders around the world, particularly in Africa.
Khamenei’s nearly four-decade rule showcased how one individual could dominate the political and religious institutions of a nation, shaping policy across generations.
His passing has drawn attention to similar situations in Africa, where leaders such as Paul Biya of Cameroon, Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, and Teodoro Obiang of Equatorial Guinea have maintained office for decades, often prompting debate about governance, succession, and democracy.
Paul Biya: A presidency spanning generations
At 93, Paul Biya stands as Africa’s oldest president and the world’s longest-serving non-royal leader.
He has governed Cameroon since November 1982, a tenure that has defined the country’s political life for more than forty years.
Biya’s advanced age and limited public appearances during the 2025 presidential campaign highlighted concerns about leadership continuity and the absence of a clear succession plan.
Yoweri Museveni: Four decades in East Africa
Uganda’s Yoweri Museveni has been in power since 1986.
Now 81, he has presided over economic reforms and infrastructural growth, but his rule has also been criticized for political repression and constitutional amendments that removed age and term limits.
Museveni’s longevity brings to the fore both his political resilience and the struggles of opposition movements led by younger Ugandans seeking change.
Teodoro Obiang: Decades of entrenched power
Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea has ruled since a 1979 military coup.
At 83, his decades-long presidency has brought oil-driven economic transformation while drawing persistent criticism over governance and human rights.
The prominence of elderly leaders has widened the gap between political elites and Africa’s largely youthful population.
With a median age of around 19, many Africans have never experienced leadership beyond these long-serving figures.
Khamenei’s death has since intensified discussions about whether similar “lifetime” presidencies in Africa are sustainable or democratic.