Today, NewsForKids.net looks at recently chosen leaders in three African countries: In Ivory Coast, Alassane Ouattara was elected for the fourth time; in Cameroon, the world’s oldest president was re-elected; and in Madagascar, Michael Randrianirina was appointed president after leading a coup.
Alassane Ouattara Wins Fourth Term As Ivory Coast President
Ivory Coast President Alassane Ouattara won a fourth term in elections on Saturday. Mr. Ouattara, who’s 83 and has led the country for the last 15 years, won 89.8% of the votes.
Critics say the vote was unfair because two of Mr. Ouattara’s strongest opponents weren’t allowed to run. One of the banned candidates was Laurent Gbagbo, who was Ivory Coast’s president before Mr. Ouattara.
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Ivory Coast President Alassane Ouattara won a fourth term in elections on Saturday. Critics say the vote was unfair because two of Mr. Ouattara’s strongest opponents weren’t allowed to run. Above, Mr. Ouattara smiles after voting on Saturday.
Many people believe Mr. Ouattara has helped the country’s businesses develop and do well. Ivory Coast produces more cocoa beans (what chocolate is made from) than any other country.
But Mr. Ouattara can be tough on those who oppose him. He has taken strong steps to remain in power. The country’s constitution only allows a president to serve two terms in office. When Mr. Ouattara ran for his third term in 2020, his supporters claimed his first two terms didn’t count, because the country’s constitution was changed slightly in 2016.
World’s Oldest President, Paul Biya, Wins Eighth Term
Cameroon President Paul Biya, who’s 92, has been re-elected for an eighth term. Mr. Biya won 53.7% of the vote, while his main opponent, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, got 35.2%. The election was held on October 12. The results were announced Monday.
There have been deadly protests over the election, which the opposition believes was unfair. There is concern that the violence could grow.
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Cameroon President Paul Biya has been re-elected for an eighth term. Mr. Biya won 53.7% of the vote. His main opponent got 35.2%. There have been deadly protests over the election, which the opposition believes was unfair. Above, Cameroon newspapers report on the election results and the protests.
Mr. Biya first became Cameroon’s president in 1982. Since then, he has kept tight control on power, taking steps to keep his opponents in line. The country’s constitution was changed to allow him to hold office more than twice.
In spite of the election results, many people in Cameroon are upset with Mr. Biya. He spends a lot of time outside of the country. His age is also an issue. Most people in Cameroon are less than a quarter of Mr. Biya’s age. Many countries have recently been rocked by protests by young people. Some people believe this could happen in Cameroon, too.
Coup Leader Becomes Madagascar’s President
In late September, Madagascar was shaken by strong protests, led mainly by young people. On October 12, after weeks of protests, a special unit of Madagascar’s military decided to join the protesters. The group was led by Colonel Michael Randrianirina. Soon, the group took control of Madagascar’s military.
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In late September, Madagascar was shaken by strong protests, led mainly by young people. On October 12, after weeks of protests, a special unit of Madagascar’s military decided to join the protesters (above). Soon, the group took control of Madagascar’s military.
President Andry Rajoelina left the country, worried for his safety. He tried to dissolve Madagascar’s National Assembly, which was trying to impeach him. Members of the assembly impeached him anyway.
On October 14, Colonel Randrianirina said the military would form a new group to govern Madagascar. He said he would appoint a new prime minister and a government, and promised to hold elections within two years.
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On October 14, Colonel Randrianirina said the military would form a new group to govern Madagascar. He said he would appoint a new prime minister and promised to hold elections within two years. Three days later, Colonel Randrianirina was sworn in as the country’s new president (above).
Three days later, Colonel Randrianirina was sworn in as the country’s new president. He says the first thing he will do as president is to look into the problems with water and power that first sparked the protests.
(Front page image sources: Ouattara: © European Union, 1998 – 2025; Biya [CC0]; Randrianirina [CC0]. All via Wikimedia Commons.)