FEATURE: A look at Africa’s ageing presidents leading a young continent
With a youth population of around 60% under the age of 25, Africa is the youngest continent in the world, yet it is overwhelmed by ageing leaders.
CAPE TOWN, March 25 (ANA) – With a youth population of around 60% under the age of 25, Africa is the youngest continent in the world.
These figures are only set to rise over the next decade, with experts estimating that by the year 2030, young Africans are expected to make up 42% of the world’s youth.
Despite this, these young countries are overwhelmed by ageing leaders.
Let’s take a look at seven of the oldest African leaders.
– Paul Biya, 88
Paul Biya, the president of Cameroon, is Africa’s oldest and second longest-serving leader. He celebrated his 88th birthday and has ruled Cameroon for 39 years. According to Voice of America, Biya is blamed by some for the several crises his country is facing, but devoted supporters of the ageing leader maintain that he is the only man for the job.
– Alpha Condé, 83
Guinean President Alpha Condé has taken the oath of office for a controversial third term following disputed elections in October. According to news broadcaster Al Jazeera, he campaigned to change the country’s constitution in 2020 in order to bypass a two-term limit.
– Hage Geingob, 79
Namibian President Hage Geingob won a second term in office during the November 2019 elections held in the southern African country. At 79, this potentially is his last term in office. However, this is Africa – things change.
– Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, 78
Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, the president of Equatorial Guinea, is the longest-serving president in the world, amassing 42 years in office. Rights group Human Rights Watch says his four decades in power should not be mistaken for a sign of peaceful stability or prosperity.
– Yoweri Museveni, 76
Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni was re-elected for a sixth term in January. According to AFP, the 76-year old Museveni has been in power for 35 years and campaigned for another term, arguing his experience in the job makes him a good leader.
– Emmerson Mnangagwa, 78
Former president of Zimbabwe Robert Mugabe was 93 years old when he resigned after 37 years in power. His successor, Emmerson Mnangagwa, 78, took over the reins in 2017.
– Muhammadu Buhari, 78
Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari won a second term in office in 2019, while Atiku Abubakar, the 72-year-old former vice-president of the main opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP), came in second with 41% of the national vote, wrote news broadcaster Al Jazeera.
– African News Agency (ANA); Editing by Yaron Blecher
