Why Are the World’s Youngest Populations Led by Their Oldest Presidents?

The presidents of Cameroon and Ivory Coast, aged 92 and 83, are trying to extend their long periods in power, highlighting a trend in Africa where older leaders govern younger populations. This situation has led to calls for change from the youth, known as “Gen Z.”

Paul Biya, the president of Cameroon since 1982, is the oldest non-monarchical head of state globally. His time in office has seen a centralized government and constitutional tweaks to prolong his rule. The upcoming presidential election could see him declared the winner, even as opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma claims victory, signaling potential unrest in the country where the median age is 19.

In Togo, Jean-Lucien Savi de Tové is the oldest president at 86, having taken office under a new parliamentary system. This change allows former president Faure Gnassingbe to maintain leadership, continuing a dynasty that started with his father in 1967. Togo’s population has a median age of 19.9 years.

Peter Mutharika of Malawi, aged 85, returned to power after political upheaval. Malawi faces poverty and climate issues, prompting demands for economic and governance reforms. The country has a median age of 18.8.

Alassane Ouattara, 83, has led Ivory Coast since 2010, overseeing a recovery post-conflict while facing criticism for his attempt to seek a fourth term amidst unrest and bans on protests. The median age in Ivory Coast is 18.3.

Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, who has been president of Equatorial Guinea since 1979, is the longest-serving leader. His administration has been marked by an oil boom and accusations of corruption amid a downturn in oil revenues. The median age in the country is 22.

Zimbabwe’s Emmerson Mnangagwa, also 83, took power in 2017 following Robert Mugabe’s removal. His presidency has been marred by economic crisis and allegations of repression. His supporters want him to run for a third term, which has led to protests. Zimbabwe’s median age is 18.

Denis Sassou Nguesso, 81, has been influential in the Republic of Congo since 1979, with rule characterized by constitutional changes and claims of electoral fraud. The country has 6.5 million people and a median age of 19.5.

Uganda’s Yoweri Museveni, 81, has ruled since 1986, shifting from stabilizer to authoritarianism, with a population median age of 17. Joseph Boakai, 80, became Liberia’s president in January 2024, and Algeria’s Abdelmadjid Tebboune, 79, has been focusing on anti-corruption efforts since 2019. Djibouti’s Ismail Omar Guelleh, 77, has been in power since 1999, and Nigeria’s Bola Tinubu, 73, assumed the presidency in May 2023, promising reforms amid challenges like inflation and insecurity.