Vladimir Putin of Russia was recently elected for his fifth term as President of the former Soviet Union.
Putin took power in 1999 and has remained the leader in Russia ever since.
However, his 25-year rule is not as long as some other leaders.
Here are the 10 longest-ruling political leaders in the world as of March 2024.
- Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo – Equatorial Guinea (44 years)
According to France 24, his 44-year term in power is unrivaled by any other current world leader, except for monarchs.
Paul Biya – Cameroon (41 years)
- The 91-year-old is a Cameroonian politician and has been the second president of Cameroon since November 6, 1982. Before his presidency, he was the prime minister of Cameroon from 1975 to 1982. He holds the title of being the second-longest-ruling president in Africa, the longest consecutively serving current non-royal national leader globally, and the oldest head of state.
Denis Sassou Nguesso – Republic of the Congo (39 years)
- Denis Sassou Nguesso
Yoweri Museveni – Uganda (37 years)
- The 79-year-old is a Ugandan politician and military officer and has been the President of Uganda since 1986.
Emomali Rahmon – Tajikistan (31 years)
- Emomali Rahmon
Isaias Afwerki – Eritrea (30 years)
- Isaias Afwerki
Alexander Lukashenko – Belarus (29 years)
- Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko
Ismail Omar Guelleh – Djibouti (24 years)
- © Eric Feferberg, AFP | Djibouti’s President Ismail Omar Guelleh
Vladimir Putin – Russia (24 years)
- Putin, 71, has firmly held power, serving as both prime minister and president for extended periods. He was prime minister from 1999 to 2000 and again from 2008 to 2012. As president, he served from 2000 to 2008 and has been in office since 2012.
Paul Kagame – Rwanda (23 years)
- Paul Kagame, the leader of Rwanda
Vladimir Putin, the President of the former Soviet Union, was recently re-elected for his fifth term. He took office in 1999 and has remained in power in Russia ever since. However, his 25-year reign is shorter than that of some other leaders. Here are the 10 longest-ruling political leaders.
