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List of Longest serving African presidents. |
Here’s a list of 10 long-serving African presidents and a glimpse into their lifestyles: Some recently passed away while others have become natural rulers.
1. Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo (Equatorial Guinea) - Since 1979
- Lifestyle: Lives a lavish lifestyle with a strong grip on power. His family, especially his son Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, is known for extravagant spending on luxury cars, mansions, and private jets.
2. Paul Biya (Cameroon) - Since 1982
- Lifestyle: Spends much of his time in luxury hotels in Switzerland. Rarely makes public appearances, ruling mostly through decrees while maintaining a wealthy and secretive life.
3. Yoweri Museveni (Uganda) - Since 1986
- Lifestyle: Projects a humble image, often seen in military fatigues. However, his family and close allies control vast wealth and properties, with reports of corruption enriching his inner circle.
4. Idriss Déby (Chad) - 1990 to 2021 (Died in office)
- Lifestyle: Lived as a strong military leader, often in military attire, enjoying a lifestyle supported by oil wealth and a loyal military elite.
5. Omar al-Bashir (Sudan) - 1989 to 2019 (Overthrown)
- Lifestyle: Enjoyed a powerful but reclusive life, ruling through military and religious networks. Lived in heavily guarded palaces before his downfall.
6. José Eduardo dos Santos (Angola) - 1979 to 2017 (Retired, died in 2022)
- Lifestyle: His family amassed vast wealth, with his daughter Isabel dos Santos becoming Africa’s richest woman through state-controlled enterprises.
7. Robert Mugabe (Zimbabwe) - 1980 to 2017 (Ousted, died in 2019)
-Lifestyle: Lived luxuriously despite economic crises in Zimbabwe. His wife, Grace Mugabe, was notorious for lavish spending on shopping trips and real estate.
8. Gnassingbé Eyadéma (Togo) - 1967 to 2005 (Died in office)
-Lifestyle: Ruled with an iron fist while living in opulence, owning numerous luxury properties and maintaining a vast security force.
9. Muammar Gaddafi (Libya) - 1969 to 2011 (Overthrown and killed)
- Lifestyle: Known for eccentric fashion, extravagant palaces, and a personal Amazonian female guard. He amassed immense wealth and influence across Africa.
10. Zine El Abidine Ben Ali (Tunisia) - 1987 to 2011 (Overthrown, died in exile 2019)
-Lifestyle: Lived in extreme luxury, with his family controlling businesses and enjoying a life of opulence until he was ousted in the Arab Spring.
These leaders, despite their long rule, often lived lavishly while their countries faced economic struggles and political instability.