Defying Age: Africa’s Longest-Serving Leader and Others Challenge Retirement Norms

After a false report claimed American author Mark Twain had died, he famously replied, “The report of my death was an exaggeration.” Similar situations arise in Africa, where aging leaders often face rumors about their demise. Cameroon’s 92-year-old president, Paul Biya, recently dealt with such rumors after disappearing from public view for a month. He was simply at his home in Switzerland.

Biya is now campaigning for an unprecedented eighth term after ruling for 43 years. This has raised eyebrows, given that his strongest competitor was barred from the election. Cameroon struggles with multiple issues including violence from extremist groups and corruption, yet experts predict Biya’s grasp on power remains strong.

This scenario isn’t unique to Cameroon. Africa, even with its youthful population, has many aging leaders still in charge. Paul Nantulya, an Africa analyst, calls this “third-termism,” referring to the trend of leaders extending their rule well into old age, which he believes is troubling.

More older leaders in Africa include:

• Peter Mutharika, Malawi (85): Recently elected again, he faced public discontent over rising costs and fuel shortages.
• Alassane Ouattara, Ivory Coast (83): Running for a fourth term after previously claiming he wouldn’t, which sparked protests as changes made to the constitution allowed his candidacy.
• Teodoro Obiang Nguema, Equatorial Guinea (83): Ruling for over 43 years, his elections are often marred by allegations of fraud, including winning over 100% of votes in some districts.
• Emmerson Mnangagwa, Zimbabwe (83): Despite hope for reforms after his rise to power, many feel that conditions have worsened under his rule.

Young people are starting to rise against this trend. Protests in countries like Kenya and Uganda highlight the frustration of the youth. In Burkina Faso, 37-year-old interim president Ibrahim Traoré enjoys strong support among younger people. Meanwhile, in Uganda, a pop-star-turned-politician, Bobi Wine, is challenging the long-standing president Yoweri Museveni, who is 81.

This pattern of aging leadership isn’t confined to Africa; many world leaders are also of advanced age. For example, Joe Biden, the U.S. president, is 82, while Iran’s supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, is 86. As the world changes, youth-driven movements are gaining momentum, hinting at a potential shift in political landscapes globally, even in regions long dominated by older leaders.

For more on these trends, check out reports from the BBC and DW.

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