Africa, the continent with the youngest population led by ageing presidents
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At the advanced age of 88, Cameroon President Paul Biya is Africa’s oldest leader and has been in power since 1982. Picture: AP
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 six 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.
African News Agency (ANA)