Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Rachael Omidiji
Published on 2024-03-26 14:52:03
Throughout history, there have been numerous young leaders who have defied conventional norms by assuming the role of president at a relatively young age, some even under the age of 40. These youthful leaders are often seen as symbols of change and progress, bringing new ideas and energy to their respective countries’ political landscapes. Below are twelve countries with presidents below the age of 50:
Senegal (Bassirou Diomaye Faye):
Born on March 25, 1980, in Ndiaganiao, Senegal, Bassirou Diomaye Faye was a former general secretary of PASTEF, a political party founded by Ousmane Sonko. Faye emerged as a presidential contender on March 15, 2024, and was elected as Senegal’s president on March 24, 2024, marking a significant moment in the country’s political history.
France (Emmanuel Macron):
Emmanuel Jean-Michel Macron was born on December 21, 1977, in Amiens, France. A former Minister of Economics, Industry, and Digital Affairs, Macron assumed office as the president of France in 2017 and was re-elected for a second term in 2022.
Ukraine (Volodymyr Zelensky):
Volodymyr Oleksandrovych Zelensky, a former comedian and actor, took office as the president of Ukraine in 2019. Born on January 25, 1978, Zelensky holds a law degree from the Kyiv National Economic University.
Kosovo (Vjosa Osmani):
Vjosa Osmani, born on May 17, 1982, became the 5th President of Kosovo at the age of 38. A former political activist, Osmani studied law at the University of Pristina and the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. She became the second woman to hold the position and the first person to serve as both acting and president of Kosovo upon her election in April 2021.
Georgia (Irakli Garibashvili):
Irakli Garibashvili, born on June 28, 1982, serves as the Prime Minister of Georgia. A former business executive, Garibashvili assumed office in February 2021 at the age of 31, becoming the youngest person to hold the position of Prime Minister in Georgia.
El Salvador (Nayib Bukele):
Nayib Bukele, a Salvadoran politician and businessman, became the 43rd president of El Salvador on June 1, 2019. Born on July 24, 1981, Bukele won the election with 53 percent of the votes.
Andorra (Xavier Espot Zamora):
Xavier Espot Zamora, a former justice minister, assumed office as the head of government of Andorra in May 2019 at the age of 39. He holds a degree and master’s degree in Law from the Faculty of the Superior School of Business Administration and Management.
Ireland (Leo Varadkar):
Leo Varadkar became the Taoiseach or Prime Minister at the age of 43 in December 2022.
North Korea (Kim Jong Un):
Kim Jong Un, the Supreme leader of North Korea, took office in December 2011 after his father, Kim Jong II, passed away. Born in January 1984, Kim rules North Korea as a totalitarian state.
Chad (Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno):
Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, born in April 1984, serves as the Transitional President of Chad since 2021 following the death of his father, Chadian President Idriss Deby, in action.
Qatar (Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani):
Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani became the Emir of Qatar in 2013 and has reigned for 10 years since. Born in 1980, Sheikh Tamim succeeded to the throne in 2003.
Bhutan (Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck):
Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck ascended to the throne of Bhutan in 2006 at the age of 26 and continues to reign over the kingdom in 2023. Born in February 1980, Jigme was publicly crowned in 2008, marking 100 years of monarchy in Bhutan.
These young presidents represent a new generation of leaders who are bringing fresh perspectives and energy to their countries, driving change and progress in their respective political spheres. Their youth and enthusiasm serve as a beacon of hope for a brighter future filled with innovative ideas and forward-thinking governance.
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