10. Daniel Ortega
He is the president of Nicaragua. Ortega first ruled from 1985 to 1990 but returned to power in 2007 and has remained in power ever since. Counting both terms, he has been in power for 23 years. And his wife, Rosario Murillo, currently serves as the vice president.
9 Vladimir Putin
He is the president of Russia. Putin first became president in the year 2000 and served two terms until 2008. Then after a four-year break where he served as prime minister, he returned in 2012 and has remained in office since then. Meaning he has held power for a total of 25 years.
8 Ismail Omar Gueli
He is the president of Djibouti. Gueli became president in May 1999, succeeding his uncle, Hassan Aptidon. Since then, he has been in power for 26 years, making him one of Africa's most enduring leaders. He is known for his tight control over the political system and his country's strategic relationship with foreign military powers.
7. Alexander Lukashenko
He is the president of Belarus. Lukashenko has ruled the country since 1994, making him the longest-serving leader in Europe, with 30 years in power. He has allegedly faced multiple protests and international sanctions over election fraud and human rights abuses.
6. Emomali Rahmon
He is the president of Tajikistan. Rahmon came to power in 1994 during the country's civil war. Since then, he has led Tajikistan for 31 years.
5. Isaias Afwerki
He is the president of Eritrea and has been in power since 1993. Afwerki became the country's first and only president after Eritrea gained independence from Ethiopia. Meaning he has ruled for 32 years.
4.Yoweri Museveni
He is the president of Uganda. Museveni took office in January 1986 after leading a successful armed rebellion. Since then, he has ruled the African nation of Uganda for 39 years. He is said to have scrapped both term limits and age limits to extend his stay in power. And there are rumors that his son is being positioned to succeed him as president.
3. Denis Sassou Nguesso
He is the president of the Republic of Congo. Nguesso first ruled from 1979 to 1992. Then returned to power after the civil war in 1997. Altogether he has held power for 41 years.
2. Paul Bia
He is the president of the African nation of Cameroon. Bia became prime minister in 1975 then took over as president in 1982. That means he has been president for 43 years and in power for 50 years total. At 92 years of age he is also the oldest sitting president in the world.
1. Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo
He is the president of Equatorial Guinea. Teodoro came to power in August 1979 after overthrowing his uncle in a military coup. That means he has ruled the country for 46 years.
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