AFRICA

Independent States

Independent States

ALGERIA - ANGOLA - BENIM - BOTSWANA - BURKINA FASO - BURUNDI - CAMEROON - CAPE-VERDE - CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC - CHAD - THE COMOROS - CONGO (Brazzaville) - CONGO (Democratic Republic) - CÔTE D'IVOIRE (Ivory Coast) - DJIBOUTI - EGYPT - EQUATORIAL GUINEA - ERITREA - ETHIOPIA - GABON - GAMBIA - GHANA - GUINEA - GUINEA-BISSAU - KENYA - LESOTHO - LIBERIA - LIBYA - MADAGASCAR - MALAWI - MALI - MAURITANIA - MAURITIUS - MOROCCO - MOZAMBIQUE - NAMIBIA - NIGER - NIGERIA - RWANDA - SÃO TOMÉ-and-PRINCIPE - SENEGAL - SEYCHELLES - SIERRA LEONE - SOMALIA - SOUTH AFRICA - SUDAN - SWAZILAND -TANZANIA - TOGO - TUNISIA - UGANDA - ZAMBIA - ZIMBABWE

Dependencies and Associated States

SAINT HELENA - WESTERN SAHARA

 
Last Update November 21, 2002

ALGERIA

(Al Jumhuriyah al Jaza'iriyah ad Dimuqratiyah ash Shabiyah)

Regime :

Republic

Abdelaziz BOUTEFLIKA - Chief of State

{Born on March 2, 1937}

[Completes his high school education then joins the ALN in 1956]

(President since April 27, 1999)

President elected by popular vote for a five-year term ; election last held 15 April 1999 (next to be held NA April 2004)

Ali BENFLIS-Head of the Government

{Born in 1944}

[Doctorate in Law from Paris University.]

(Prime Minister since 26 August 2000)

Prime minister appointed by the president.

ANGOLA

(Republica de Angola)

MONUA

Regime :

Transitional government, nominally a multiparty democracy with a strong presidential system

José Eduardo dos Santos - Chief of State

{Born on August 28, 1942 in Luanda}

[Studies in Bakou, USSR, graduated with an engineer degree (petrol) and a skill in military transmissions]

(President since 21 September 1979)

The president is both chief of state and head of the government.

President DOS SANTOS originally elected without opposition under a one-party system and stood for reelection in Angola's first multiparty elections in 29-30 September 1992, the last elections to be held (next to be held NA)

BENIN

(Republique du Benin)

Regime :

Republic (republic under multiparty democratic rule ; dropped Marxism-Leninism December 1989; democratic reforms adopted February 1990 ; transition to multiparty system completed 4 April 1991

Matthieu Kerekou - Chief of State

Born : on September 2, 1933 in Kouarfa in Northern Benin

Education/Profession : Studies at the the school for troops' children in Kati, Mali, and in Saint-Louis, Sénégal, then he volunteered in the French army and went on trainings in Fréjus, Montpellier and to the Headquarters' school in Paris.

(President since 4 April 1996 - 3° term)

The president is both chief of state and head of the government.

President elected by popular vote for a five-year term ; election last held 3 and 04 March 2001 (next to be held NA March 2006)

BOTSWANA

(Republic of Botswana)

Regime :

Parliamentary republic

Festus Gontebanye MOGAE - Chief of State

{Born on July 23, 1925 at Kanye in the South-East near Gaborone}

[Started his career as a teacher then in 1958 got interested in the press and became manager of "l'Echo africain". He initates his political carrer in the shade of Sir Seretse Khama, il entame une carrière politique]

(President since 1 April 1998)

The president is both chief of state and head of the government.

President elected by the National Assembly for a five-year term ; election last held 16 October 1999 (next to be held NA October 2004)

Seretse Ian KHAMA - Vice President

{Born in 1952}

(Vice President since 1 April 1998)

Vice president appointed by the president.

BURKINA FASO

(Burkina Faso)

Regime :

Parliamentary

Blaise COMPAORÉ - Chief of State

{Born in Ziniane at 30 km from Ouagadougou, in 1951}

[ Primary and high school education studies at Ziniane then at the "Ecole Normale" (teachers training school) in Ouagadougou. Military trainings in France from 1975 to 1977 : at the Infantry School in Montpellier, at the Mont-Louis School in Pau where he got the paratrooper officer rank.]

(President since October 15 , 1987)

President elected by popular vote for a seven-year term ; the number of terms which a president may serve is not limited ; election last held 15 November 1998 (next to be held NA 2005)

Paramanga Ernest Yonli - Head of the Government

{Born in 1956, in Tansarga, Tapoa Province - Burkina Faso}

[Education : B.A degree : 1979-1981 University of Benin/ESTEG (TOGO) B.S in Economic Sciences Sciences-minoring - Economics (Planning and Development) ; Graduated from the IEDES : 1981-1984 University of Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne / IEDES Majoring in International Economics and Development ; M.A : 1984 - 1985 from the National Institute of Agriculture in Paris-Grignon (I.N.A.P.G.) / University of Paris I (Dep. - IEDES) Specialized in Agricultural Development ; Ph.D.: February 1997 from Ouagadougou University / Groningen University (Netherlands), Ph.D Thesis in economics- (Ph.D.) : February 1997 from Ouagadougou University / Groningen University (Netherlands) Ph.D thesis in economics «Rural Strategy for food safety and marketing with cereals- the role that banks of cereals play in the North of Burkina Faso's Central Plateau."]

(Prime Minister since November 7, 2000)

(Also Minister of Treasure and Finance)

Prime minister appointed by the president with the consent of the legislature.

BURUNDI

(Republika y'u Burundi)

Regime :

Republic (De facto Burundi is in state of civil war)

 

 

Major Pierre Buyoya - Chief of State

Born : on November 14, 1949 in Rutovu in the Bururi province

Education/Profession : High school education in Rutovu. From 1967 to 1975, high school education studies then universitary, in Belgium. Graduated with a B.A in Social and Military Sciences. Afterwards he he went on a six -month- training at the "Ecole d'Application des Troupes Blindées", in Arlon, Belgium. Completed his universitary studies in Law, in France, graduated in political sciences and from the "Institut des Hautes études d'Outre Mer"

Party : Uprona (Union pour le Progrès National / Union for National Progress)

Political Career : On September 3, 1987, his popularity among the Armed Forces and a good reputation of integrity led him to the head of the Military Committee for National Salvation which brought the second republic's regime to an end. He ruled the country until April 6,1994. On July 25,1996 he accepted to joint the government again in order to straighten out the situation following President Melchior Ndadaye's murder.

(President since 25 July 1996 - 2° term)

The president is both chief of state and head of government.

(President (interim president since 25 july 1996 and officially sworn in on 11 June 1998) The president is assisted by First Vice President and Second Vice President ; note-former President NTIBANTUNGANYA was overthrown in a coup on 25 July 1996.

 

awaiting

Frederic Bamvuginyumvira - 1°Vice-President

Education/Profession : 1992 - B.A in French Language and literature from the University of Burundi]

(1° Vice-President since 1998)

awaiting

Mathias Sinamenya - 2°Vice-President

(2° Vice-President since 1998)

CAMEROON

(Republic of Cameroon)

Regime :

Republic (unitary republic ; multiparty presidential regime (opposition parties legalized in 1990)

Paul BIYA - Chief of State

{Born on February 13, 1933 in Mvomeka'a}

[C.E.P.E (primary) : June 1948 (Catholic School in Nden). Pre-priesthood at Saint Tharcissius' in Edéa (1948-1950). Priesthood in Akono (1950-1954). B.E.P.C.(high school degree) : June 1953. Lycée Général Leclerc (1954-1956). General Certificate of Education (1st Part) : June 1955. General Certificate of Education (2d Part) (philosophy) : June 1956. Lycée Louis Le Grand (Paris). La Sorbone University (Paris) : Law Faculty. "Institut d'Etudes Politiques" in Paris. "Institut des Hautes Etudes d'Outre-Mer" (Paris).Degrees : B.L.L in Public Law, Degree from the Institute for Political Studies (Institut d'Etudes Politiques), Degree from the Institute for Overseas Higher Studies (Institut des Hautes Etudes d'Outre-Mer), diploma of Superior Studies in Public Law.]

(President since 6 November 1982)

President elected by popular vote for a seven-year term ; election last held 12 October 1997-President BIYA reelected (next to be held NA October 2004)

Peter Mafany MUSONGE - Head of the Government

{Born in 1942}

(Prime Minister since 19 September 1996)

Prime minister appointed by the president.

Legislative branch: unicameral National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale (180 seats ; members are elected by direct popular vote to serve five-year terms ; Elections : last held 11 May 1997 (next to be held NA 2002)

CAPE-VERDE (islands)

(Republica de Cabo Verde)

Regime :

Republic

Pedro Verona Rodrigues Pires - Chief of State

Born : on the Fire Island (ilha do Fogo) on April,1934

Education : Primary and secundary studies in Praia and in S. Vicente. 1956 attended the Faculty of Science in Lisbon.

Party : PAICV (Partido Africano da Independência de Cabo Verde / African Party of Independence of Cape Verde)

Political career : 1961 joioned the PAIGC. In 1973 IId Congress of the PAIGC, he was confirmed as a member of the Higher Council of Struggle and of its Executive Committee, and electedChairman of the National Comission for Cape Verde. Prime Minister from 8 Jul 1975 - to 4 Apr 1991.

(President since 22 March 2001)

President elected by popular vote for a five-year term ; election last held 11 and 25 February 2001 (next to be held NA February 2005)

Dr.José Maria Neves - Head of Government

Born : 1959

Education : B.A degree in Public Administration from the Getúlio Vargas' Foundation (S. Paulo).

Party : PAICV (Partido Africano da Independência de Cabo Verde / African Party of Independence of Cape Verde)

(Prime Minister since 01 February 2001)

Prime minister nominated by the National Assembly and appointed by the president.

Links

PARLIAMENT : http://www.chez.com/vips/parleafe.htm

CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC

(Republique Centrafricaine)

MINURCA

Regime :

Republic

Ange-Félix PATASSE - Chief of State

Born : in 1937 in Paoua -Northwest of the country

Education/Profession : Vocational Agricultural Inspector - "Ecole supérieure d'agriculture tropicale" de Nogent-sur-Marne.

Party : MLPC (Mouvement pour la Libération du Peuple Centrafricain / Liberation Movement of the Central African People)

(President since 22 October 1993)

President elected by popular vote for a six-year term ; election last held 19 September 1999 - Président PATASSE reelected (next to be held NA 2005)

Martin Ziguélé - Head of the Government

Born : in Feb.12, 1957 in Paoua ( Central African Rep.)

Education/Profession : 1972 : BEPC Degree from Bossangoa Small Seminary 1975 : Baccalaureate degree (State Lycée of the Rapides in Bangui - RCA). 1976-1978 : a degree in Higher Studies for Insurance (D.E.S.A) from the International Institute of Insurance in Yaoundé (Cameroon). 1975-1977 et 1981-1982 : B.A degree- (faculty of Artsand human Sciences from the university of Bangui - RCA). 15 July- 30 October 1978 : senior officer at the head of the controle of Insurance at the Ministry of Finance in Bangui (RCA). Sept. 1988 - December 1995: Head of various Dep.at the State Enterprise for Insurance SIRIRI Bangui- RCA. January 1996-July 2000 : Head of the life division at CICARE's along with another position at the IARD's for non-African affairs (Europe, Asiaand Middle East). July 2000-April 2001 : National Manager of BEAC forRCA.

Party : MLPC (Mouvement pour la Libération du Peuple Centrafricain / Liberation Movement of the Central African People)

(Prime Minister since 1 April 2001)

Prime minister appointed by the president.

 

 CHAD

(Republique du Tchad)

Regime :

Republic

Lt. Gen. Idriss Déby - Chief of State

Born : in 1952 in Fada -Northern Chad

Military career : In 1976 obtained a vocational pilot licence in France.

Party : MPS (Mouvement Patriotique du Salut / Patriotic Salvation Movement)

(President since 2 December 1990)

[President of patriotic Salvation Movement 2 - 4 December 1990, Chief of State 4 december 1990 - 4 March 1991]

President elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms ; if no candidate receives at least 50% of the total vote, the two candidates receiving the most votes must stand for a second round of voting ; last held 20 May 2001 - DEBY reelected president with 61,4% (next to be held NA 2006)

Nagoum Yamassoum - Head of the Government

Party : MPS (Mouvement Patriotique du Salut / Patriotic Salvation Movement)

(Prime Minister since 13 December 1999)

Prime minister appointed by the president.

COMOROS The (islands)

(Republique Federale Islamique des Comores)

Regime

Republic

Colonel Azali Assoumani - Chief of State

Born : 1957

(President since 30 April 1999)

The president was elected for a six year term by the people.

Self-proclaimed head of State and Government on May 6 1999. To that date, virtual head of State as Chief of Staff of the National Army of Development

Assoumani came to power by a military coup.

awaiting

Hamada Madi - Head of the Government

Born : 1963 in l'île de Mohéli

Education : Diplômé de droit constitutionnel en Ukraine

(Prime Minister since 29 Nov 2000)

CONGO (Brazzaville)

(Republique du Congo)

Regime :

Republic

Denis SASSOU-NGUESSO - Chief of State

{Born in 1943 in Edou (North)}

[ Lieutenant ranked from the Infantry School in Saint-Maixent (France)]

(President since 25 October 1997 - 2° mandat, following the civil war in which he toppled elected president Pascal LISSOUBA)

The president is both the chief of state and head of government.

President elected by popular vote for a five-year term ; election last held 16 August 1992 (next was to be held 27 July 1997 but will be delayed for several years pending the drafting of a new constitution)

 

CONGO

(Democratic Republic)

(Republique Democratique du Congo)

MONUC

Regime :

Dictatorship ; presumably undergoing a transition to representative government .

Gen.Joseph Kabila - Chief of State

Born : 1970

(President since 17 January 2001 - acting)

Joseph Kabila seized power after his father's death.

The president is both chief of state and head of government.

CÔTE D'IVOIRE

(Ivory Coast)

(Republique de Cote d'Ivoire)

Regime :

Republic (multiparty presidential regime established 1960)

Laurent Gbagbo - Chief of State

Born : on May 31,1945 in Gagnoa (Center-West)

Education/Profession : University history-geography professor, at the " Lycée classique d'Abidjan" (1970-73) - Searcher at the Institute of History, Art and African Archeology (IHAAA, 1974-82).

Party : FPI (Front Populaire Ivorienne / Ivorian People's Front)

Political career : General Secretary of the Ivorian Popular Front (FPI, 1988-96) -Chairman of the FPI (since July 1996).

(President since October 25, 2000)

(Last election to president held : October 22, 2000)

Affi N'Guessan - Head of the Government

Born : in 1953 in Bongouanou, at roughly 200 KM East of Abidjan

Education/Profession : Engineer in Telecommunications.

Party : FPI (Front Populaire Ivorienne / Ivorian People's Front)

Political career : Mayor of Bongouamou - Gbagbo 's campaign director, deputy general secretary of the FPI (since July 1999) - former minister of Industry and Tourism in General Robert Guei's transitional government (since Jan. 2000).

(Prime Minister since 27 of October 2000)

DJIBOUTI

(Republic of Djibouti)

Regime :

Republic

Ismail Omar Guelleh - Chief of State

Born : in 1947 in Diré-Dawa, Ethiopia

Education/Profession : Primary education studies at the Alliance Française in Diré-Dawa. Completed his high school, education cursus in Djibouti. In 1968 he enlisted into the french police then where he'd take service in the general security department. Two years later he'd get the rank of a police inspector.

Party : RPP (Rassemblement populaire pour le Progrès / People's Rally for Progress)

(President since 8 May 1999)

President elected by popular vote for a six-year term ; election last held 9 April 1999 (next to be held 9 April 2005)

Dileita Mohamed Dileita - Head of the Government

Born : on March 12,1958 in Tadjourahle

Education/Profession : Studied in a Cairo high school then in Reims (France), before he graduated with a degree of Foreign Attaché from the CFA(Center for vocational training) in Médéa (Algérie) in 1981.

Party : RPP (Rassemblement populaire pour le Progrès / People's Rally for Progress)

(Prime Minister since March 7, 2001)

Prime minister appointed by the president.

Links :

PARLIAMENT : http://www.chez.com/vips/parleafe.htm

EGYPT

(Jumhuriyat Misr al-Arabiyah)

Regime :

Republic

Muhammad Husni MUBARAK - Chief of State

{Born on May 4, 1928 in Al-Menoufiyah governorate, located in the Delta area}

[Upon his completion of high school, Mr. Mubarak joined the Egyptian Military Academy, where he received his Bachelor Degree in Military Sciences.]

(President since 14 October 1981)

President nominated by the People's Assembly for a six-year term, the nomination must then be validated by a national, popular referendum ; national referendum last held 4 October 1999 - Président MUBARAK réélu (next to be held NA October 2005)

Dr. Atef Muhammad Muhammad EBEID - Head of the Government

{Born in 1932}

(Prime Minister since 5 October 1999)

Prime minister appointed by the president.

 

EQUATORIAL

GUINEA

(Guinea Ecuatorial)

Regime :

Republic (republic in transition to multiparty democracy (the transition appears to have halted)

Brig.Gen.(Ret.)Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo - Chief of State

Born : in 1942

Education/Profession : Training in the Military Academy of Saragoza in Spain, the colonizing power.

Party : PDGE (Partido Democratico Guinea Ecuatorial / Democratic Party of Ecuatorial Guinea)

(President since 3 August 1979)

President elected by popular vote to a seven-year term ; election last held 25 February 1996 (next to be held NA February 2003)

awaiting

Cándido Mutatema Rivas - Head of the Government

Born : 1961

Party : PDGE (Partido Democratico Guinea Ecuatorial / Democratic Party of Ecuatorial Guinea)

(Prime Minister since 04 March 2001)

Prime minister appointed by the president.

ERITREA

(Hagere Ertra)

Regime :

Transitional government

Isaias AFWERKI - Chief of State

{Born in Asmara in 1946}

[Studies in engineering in Addis Abeba-Ethiopia- which he'd drop in 1966 to join the Liberation Front of Eritrea (Front de libération de l'Erythrée) striving against ethiopian rule.]

(President since 24 May 1993)

The president is both the chief of state and head of government.

The president is head of the State Council and National Assembly

President elected by the National Assembly ; election last held 8 June 1993 (next to be held NA)

awaiting

Ahmed Sherifo MAHMUD - Vice President

(Vice President since 24 May 1993)

ETHIOPIA

(YeItyop'iya Federalawi Demokrasiyawi Ripeblik)

Regime :

Federal Republic (Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia)

awaiting

Lieutenant Girma Wolde-Giyorgis - Chief of State

Born : in 1925

Independent member of parliament and businessman

(President since 08 October 2001)

President elected by the House of People's Representatives for a six-year term ; election last held June 2001 (next to be held NA 2005)

Meles Zenawi - Head of the Government

Born : in 1955 in Adoua}

Education/Profession : Studies in English then he started to study medecine in 1971 in Addis-Abeba before he joined the opposition movement to the imperial regime.

Party : TPLF (Tigray Peoples Liberation Front)

(Prime Minister since 22 August 1995)

Prime minister designated by the party in power following legislative elections.

GABON

(Republique Gabonaise)

Regime :

Republic (multiparty presidential regime (opposition parties legalized 1990)

El Hadj Omar BONGO - Chief of State

(Albert-Bernard)

{Born on December 30, 1935 in Lewai (Haut-Egoué, Southeastern Gabon)}

[Studies in Brazzaville-Congo- then takes service in public office in 1958]

(President since 2 November 1967)

President elected by popular vote for a seven-year term ; election last held 6 December 1998 (next to be held NA 2005)

awaiting

Didjob Divungi Di NDINGE - Vice President

(Vice President since 27 May 1997)

awaiting

Jean-François NTOUTOUME-EMANE - Head of the Government

{Born in 1939}

[Graduated with a doctorate in Politcal Sciences in the university of Jussieu (Paris)]

(Prime Minister since 23 January 1999)

Prime minister appointed by the president.

GAMBIA

(Republic of Gambia)

Regime :

Republic (under multiparty democratic rule)

Colonel (RTD) Yahya Alphonse Jamus Jebulai JAMMEH - Chief of State

{Born on 25th May 1965, in Kanilai village, Foni Kansala District in the Western Division of The Gambia}

[Educated at Kanilai Primary School, Saint Edwards Primary School Bwiam, and Gambia High School.]

(President since 22 July 1994)

{Chairman Armed Forces Provisional Ruling Council to 28 September 1996 ; Head of State to October 1996}

The President is both Chief of State and head of the Government.

The president is elected by popular vote to a five-year term ; the number of terms is not restricted ; election last held 26 September 1996 (next to be held NA 2001)

awaiting

Mrs. Isatou Nje SAÏDY - Vice-President

- Secretary of State for Health, Social Welfare & Women's Affairs -

(Vice-President since 22 July 1994)

GHANA

(Republic of Ghana)

Regime :

Constitutional democracy

John Agyekum Kufuor - Chief of State

Born : on December 8, 1938 at Damang in the Ashanti Region.

Education : He was educated at Prempeh College, Kumasi, enrolled at the Lincoln's Inn, London, and was called to the English Bar in 1961. He holds an Honors B.A. degree and an MA degree in Philosophy, Politics and Economics, awarded by the Oxford University in 1964.

Party : NPB (New Patriotic Party)

(President since 07 January 2001)

The President is both Chief of State and Head of the Government.

President and vice president elected on the same ticket by popular vote for four-year terms ; election last held 7 December 2000 (next to be held NA 2004)

Alhaji Mahama Aliu - Vice-President

Born : on the 3rd of March 1946 in Yendi at the Northern Region.

Education : He was enrolled into the Government Secondary School at Tamale where he attained his 'O' and 'A' Level Certificate from 1960 to 1967, and then to the University of Science and Technology where he read Building Technology.

Party : NPP (New Patriotic Party)

(Vice-President since 07 January 2001)

GUINEA

(Republique de Guinee)

Regime :

Republic

Général Lansana CONTÉ - Chief of State

{Born in 1934 in Moussayah Loumbaya (Dubréka)}

[Following his coranic studfies, he attends the primary school in Dubréka.He passed the admission exam to the Technical High School for troopers'children, and completed his studies in Bingerville (Côte d'Ivoire) and Saint Louis (Senegal).]

(President since 3 April 1984)

(Chairman Military Committee of National Restoration to 5 April 1984)

President elected by popular vote for a five-year term ; candidate must receive a majority of the votes cast to be elected president ; election last held 14 December 1998 (next to be held NA December 2003)

Lamine SIDIMÉ - Head of the Government

{Born 1944}

[B.L.L in Private Law from the University of Paris I, diploma from the institute of judiciary studies in Paris in 1971, diploma in criminology from the University of Paris I. ]

(Prime Minister since 8 March 1999)

The prime minister is appointed by the president.

GUINEA-BISSAU

(Republica da Guine-Bissau)

Regime :

Republic (multiparty since mid-1991)

Kumba Ialá - Chief of State

Born : in 1952

(President since 19 February 2000)

The president was elected for a five year term by the people.

awaiting

Faustino Fudut Imbali - Head of the Government

Born : 1955

Education/Profession : Sociólogo.

(Prime Minister since 21 March 2001)

Prime minister appointed by the president after consultation with party leaders in the legislature.

KENYA

(Republic of Kenya)

Regime :

Republic

Hon. Daniel Toroitich arap MOI - Chief of State

{Born on 2nd September, 1924 in a small village of Kurieng'wo in Sacho Location of Baringo District}

[Teacher]

(President since 22 August 1978)

The president is both the chief of state and head of government.

President elected by popular vote from among the members of the National Assembly for a five-year term ; election last held 29 December 1997 - Daniel T. arap MOI reelected (next to be held by early 2003)

Hon. Prof. George SAITOTI - Vice-President

- Ministry of Home Affairs, Heritage and Sports -

(Vice-President since 10 May 1989 )

 

LESOTHO

(Kingdom of Lesotho)

Regime :

Parliamentary constitutional monarchy

King David Mohato LETSIE III - Chief of State

{Born on July 17, 1963}

(King since 7 February 1996 - For the second time)

The monarchy is hereditary, but, under the terms of the constitution which came into effect after the March 1993 election, the monarch is a "living symbol of national unity" with no executive or legislative powers ; under traditional law the college of chiefs has the power to determine who is next in the line of succession, who shall serve as regent in the event that the successor is not of mature age, and may even depose the monarch.

Hon. Pakalitha MOSISILI - Head of the Government

{Born in 1945}

(Prime Minister since 29 May 1998)

- Minister of Home Affairs -

 

 LIBERIA

(Republic of Liberia)

Regime :

Republic

Charles Ghankay TAYLOR - Chief of State

{Born January 28, 1948, Liberia}

[Bentley College in Massachusetts, from which he graduated in 1977.]

(President since 2 August 1997)

The president is both the chief of state and head of the government.

President elected by popular vote for a four-year term (renewable) ; election last held 19 July 1997 (next to be held NA July 2001)

 

LIBYA

(Al Jamahiriyyah al Arabiyyah al- Libiyyah ash Shabiyah al Ishtirakiyyah al-Uzma)

Regime :

Jamahiriya (a state of the masses) in theory, governed by the populace through local councils ; in fact, a military dictatorship

Revolutionary Leader Col. Muammar Muhammad Abu Minyar al-KADHAFI - Chief of State (Holds no official title, but is de facto chief of state)

{Born in Misurata, Libya, in 1942}

[Dropped superior studies in history to enter the military academy in 1963.]

(since 1 September 1969)

National elections are indirect through a hierarchy of peoples' committees ; head of government elected by the General People's Congress ; election last held NA (next to be held NA)

awaiting

Zentani Muhammad az-ZENTANI -(nominal chief of state)

(General Secretary of the General People's Congress since 18 November 1992)

awaiting

Mubarak Abdallah al-SHAMIKHEST - Head of the Government

(Secretary of the General People's Committee since 1 March 2000)

 

 MADAGASCAR

(Republique de Madagascar)

Regime :

Republic

Didier RATSIRAKA - Chief of State

{Born on November 4, 1936 in Vatomandry, province of Tamatave}

[Secundary studies in the "lycée Saint-Michel" in Anananarivo, and gets interested in superior and special mathématics. Then he chooses a military career, and is included in the group of officers granted with a training abroad. Engineer from the Navy School in Brest (France), graduated from the Higher School of Transmissions and also got a degree from the Navy Higher War School..]

(President since 9 February 1997 - 2° term)

President elected by popular vote for a five-year term ; election last held 29 December 1996 (next to be held NA 2002)

awaiting

Tantely Rene Gabriot ANDRIANARIVO - Head of the Government

{Born in 1954}

(Prime Minister since 23 July 1998)

Prime minister appointed by the president from a list of candidates nominated by the National Assembly.

 

 MALAWI

(Republic of Malawi)

Regime :

Republic (multiparty democracy)

Elson Bakili MULUZI - Chief of State

{Born in 1951}

[Technical studies in Denmark and Great-Britain.]

(President since 21 May 1994)

The president is both the chief of state and head of the government.

The president and the vice-president are elected on one ballot for a five year term by the people.

President elected by popular vote for a five-year term ; election last held 15 June 1999 - MALUZI reelected president (next to be held by 2004)

Justin C. MALEWEZI - Vice President

(Vice President since 21 May 1999)

- Minister for Privatization -

 

 MALI

(Republique de Mali)

Regime :

Republic

Alpha Oumar KONARÉ - Chief of State

{Born on February 2, 1946 in Kayes}

[Teacher then majored in the deptartment of history of the "Ecole normale supérieure" in Bamako. 1975 doctorate in Histoiry and Archeology from the University of Warsaw.]

(President since 8 June 1992)

President elected by popular vote for a five-year term ; election last held 11 May 1997 - KONARE reelected president (next to be held May 2002)

awaiting

Mande SIDIBE - Head of the Government

{Born in 1940}

(Prime Minister since 15 February 2000)

Prime minister appointed by the president.

 

 MAURITANIA

(Al Jumhuriyah al Islamiyah al Muritaniyah)

Regime :

Republic

Col. Maaouya Ould Sidi Ahmed TAYA - Chief of State

{Born in 1941 in Atar Northeastern Mauritania}

[ÉHigh School in Rosso. Got a military training in France and spécialized in topography.]

(President since 16 November 1998)

President TAYA Head of the Military Comittes for National Salvation for 12 décember to 18 April 1992.

President elected by popular vote for a six-year term ; election last held 12 December 1997 - President TAYA reelected (next to be held NA December 2003)

Cheik El Afia Ould Mohamed KHOUNA - Head of the Government

(Prime Minister since 16 November 1998 - 2° term)

Prime minister appointed by the president.

 

 MAURITIUS

(Republic of Mauritius)

Regime :

Parliamentary democracy

Cassam UTEEM - Chief of State

{Born 22nd March 1941}

[Educational institutions : Coeur Sacré de Jésus R. C. A., Port Louis ; Royal College, Port Louis ; University of Mauritius ; University of Paris VII ; "Ecole des Services Sociaux et de Surintendants d'Usine", Paris]

(President since 30 June 1992)

President and vice president elected by the National Assembly for five-year terms ; election last held 28 June 1997 - UTEEM reelected president and CHETTIAR elected vice president (next to be held NA 2002)

Angidi CHETTIAR - Vice President

(Vice President since 1 July 1997)

Sir Anerood JUGNAUTH - Head of the Government

{Born 1930}

(Prime Minister since 17 September 2000 - 2nd time)

- Also Minister of Defence & Home Affairs, and Minister of External Communications -

Prime minister appointed by the president and are responsible to the National Assembly.

 

 MOROCCO

(Al Mamlakah al Maghribiyah)

Regime :

Constitutional monarchy

King MUHAMMAD VI - Chief of State

{Born in Rabat 1963 August 21}

[1967 : Starts studying at the Koranic school at the Royal Palace, just like his father before him. 1969 : Starts modern style education. 1973 : Starts secondary education at the Royal College.1981 : Receives his Baccalaureate. 1985 : Receives his B.A. in law from the College of Law at the Rabat Muhammed V University. 1993 October 29 : Receives the title Doctor in law from the University of Nice-Sophia Antipolis in France. Here he delivered a thesis on EEC-Maghreb Relations.]

(King since 23 July 1999)

The monarchy is hereditary.

Abderrahmane El YOUSSOUFI - Head of the Government

{Born on March 8, 1924 in Tanger}

[Law degree (B.L.L). M.A in Political Sciences. Degree from the International Institute for Human Rights.]

(Prime Minister since 4 February 1998)

Prime minister appointed by the monarch following legislative elections.

 

 MOZAMBIQUE

(Republica de Mocambique)

Regime :

Republic

Dr. Joaquim Alberto CHISSANO - Chief of State

{Born on October 22, 1939}

[Studied medecine in Lisbon, Poitiers (France) and Uppsala (Sweden).]

(President since 6 November 1986)

note - before being popularly elected, CHISSANO was elected president by Frelimo's Central Committee 4 November 1986 (reelected by the Committee 30 July 1989)

President elected by popular vote for a five-year term ; election last held 3-4 December 1999 - CHISSANO reelected president (next to be held NA 2004)

Dr. Pascoal Manuel MOCUMBI - Head of the Government

{Born on April 10, 1941 in Maputo}

[Graduated in medecine. Obstetrician]

(Prime Minister since 16 December 1994)

Prime minister appointed by the president.

 

NAMIBIA

(Republic of Namibia)

Regime :

Republic

 

Samuel Daniel Shafiishuna (Sam) NUJOMA - Chief of State

{Born on May 12, 1929 in Etunda}

[High School.]

(President since 21 March 1990)

The president is both the chief of state and head of government.

President elected by popular vote for a five-year term ; election last held 1 December 1999 NUJOMA reelected president (next to be held NA December 2004)

Hage Gottfried GEINGOB - Head of the Government

{Born 03 August 1941, Grootfontein - Otjozondjupa}

[Teacher's Certificate, Augustineum Training College - 1961 BA Fordham University, USA - 1970 MA International Relations, New School of Social Science, USA - 1974]

(Prime Minister since 21 March 1990)

Hon. Hendrik WITBOOI - Deputy Prime Minister

{Born 7 January 1934 in Gibeon, Namibia}

[1998 : Conferred upon one Hon Doctorate Degree by Morris Brown College, Atlanta Georgia]

(Deputy President since 21 March 1990)

 

 NIGER

(Republique du Niger)

Regime :

Republic

Colonel Mamadou TANDJA - Chief of State

{Born in 1938}

(President since 22 December 1999)

The president is elected for a five year term by the people. Elections : last held 17 october and 24 november 1999. (next to be held NA 2004)

awaiting

Hama AMADOU - Head of the Government

(Prime minister since 3 January 2000 - 2nd time)

 

 NIGERIA

(Federal Republic of Nigeria)

Regime :

Republic transitioning from military to civilian rule

Olusegun Obasanjo - Chief of State

Born : in southwest Nigeria, an ethnic Yoruba, in 1937

Education/Profession : 1958 Joined the army. 1967-70 Led the commando division in the Biafran civil war. 1976 Took power.

Political career : 1979 Relinquished power to civilians. The only military leader in 39 years of independence to have voluntarily handed power from a military government to a civilian elected government 1991 Considered as possible UN secretary-general. 1995 Jailed by Sani Abacha. 1998 Freed by General Abubakar. 1999 Won Nigeria's presidential elections.

Note : In 1999 he became a civilian leader, taking over from the military. Since his election he has spoken out against corruption and has banned ethnic-based militias promoting separatism.

(President since 29 May 1999)

The president is elected by popular vote for no more than two four-year terms ; election last held 27 February 1999 (next election to be held NA 2003)

Alhaji Abubakar Atiku - Vice-President

(Vice-President since 29 May 1999)

 

 RWANDA

(Republika y'u Rwanda)

Regime :

Republic (presidential, multiparty system)

 

Maj. Gen. Paul KAGAME - Chief of State

{Born in 1957}

(President since 24 March (acting to 22 april 2000) 2000)

President Bizimungu resigned 23 March. Vice President Paul Kagame becomes president in action.

Vacant

awaiting

Bernard MAKUZA - Head of the Government

(Prime Minister since 8 March 2000)

Prime minister is appointed by the president.

SÃO TOMÉ-and-PRINCIPE

(Republica Democratica de São Tomé e Príncipe)

Regime :

Republic

Fradique Bandeira Melo de Menezes - Chief of State

Born : 1942

Education/Profession : Higher studies at the Higher Institute of Applied Psychology in Lisbon and then, in Belgium, at the Faculty of Human Sciences Humaines of Brussels University.

Political Career : He held various posts under the First Republic, among which that of Foreign Minister , ambassador in Belgium and the Netherlands. He is an independent member of Parliament for the ADI.

Party : ADI (Acção Democrática Independente / Independent Democratic Action)

(President since 03 September 2001)

President elected by popular vote for a five-year term ; election last held 29 July 2001 - (next to be held in 2006)

Evaristo Carvalho - Head of the Government

(Prime Minister since 26 September 2001 - 2nd time)

Prime minister chosen by the National Assembly and approved by the president.

 

 SENEGAL

(Republique du Senegal)

Regime :

Republic (republic under multiparty democratic rule)

Abdoulaye Wade- Chief of State

Born : on May 29, 1926 in Saint-Louis (Senegal)

Education/Profession : 1947 : Degree from the "Ecole Normale Fédérale WilliamPonty - Sébikotane" (Sénégal) 1951-52 : Mathematics Superiorin the "lycée Condorcet" in Paris 1952 : degree in General Psychology (Faculty of letters in Besançon 1953 : degree in Ethics and Sociology - (Faculty of letters in Besançon 1955 : B.L.L in Law (Faculty of Law and Economical Science in Dijon) 1958 : M.A. in Economical Sciences - M.A in Public Law. 1959 : degree in the Psychology of social Life (Faculty of letters in Grenoble - B.A in Letters). Doctorate in Law and Economical Sciences - Grenoble.

(President since1 April 2000).

President elected by popular vote for a seven-year term ; election last held 19 March 2000 - Abdoulaye WADE elect

MadameMadior Boye - Head of the Government

Born :

Education/Profession : Graduated from the Faculty of juridical and economic Sciences. Graduated from the National Centre National of Judicial Study in Paris. Former assistant to the Attorney general of the Republic, then jugge and first vice president of the Regional High Court in Dakar. Former president of the Court of Appeal in Dakar. Councellor to the Supreme Court of Appeal. Executive manager of CBAO's investments (Compagnie Bancaire de l'Afrique Occidentale) 1990-2000.

Political career : 5 Apr 2000 Responsible for the Great Seal, Minister of Justice.

(Prime Minister since 3 March 2001)

Also : Responsible for the Great Seal, Minister of Justice.

Prime minister appointed by the president.

Links

PARLEMENT : http://www.chez.com/vips/parleafe.htm

 

 SEYCHELLES

(Republic of Seychelles)

Regime :

Republic

France Albert RENÉ - Chief of State

{Born on November 16, 1935 in Mahé, the main island of the archipelago}

[Superior studies in London and becomes a lawyer in 1957.]

(President since 5 June 1977)

The president is both the chief of state and head of government.

President elected by popular vote for a five-year term ; election last held 20-22 March 1998-President RENE reelected (next to be held by NA 2003)

awaiting

James MICHEL - Vice-President

(Vise-President since…)

 

 SIERRA LEONE

(Republic of Sierra Leone)

UNAMSIL

Regime :

Constitutional democracy

Ahmad Tejan KABBAH - Chief of State

{Born in février 1932}

[Studied Humanities in Oxford]

(President since 10 March 1998 - 2° term)

The president is both the chief of state and head of government.

President elected by popular vote for a five-year term ; election held 26-27 February 1996 (next to be held NA 2001)

Albert Joe DEMBY - Vice-President

(Vise-President since…)

 

 SOMALIA

(Somalia)

Regime :

(none)De facto the state is an anarchy without any governmental structures. Main parties are the two factions of the United Somali Congress, the Somali National Movement the Somali Democratic Movement and the Somali Patriotic Movement.

Abdiqasim Salad Hassan - Chief of State

Born : in 1942

Education/Profession : Speaks Somali, Arabic, Italian, English and Russian.

Political career : A former deputy premier and interior minister in Barre's regime, Hassan was appointed president by traditional chiefs and senior figures. After Barre was ousted, he went into exile in Egypt, but returned to work with grassroots groups on peace.

(President since 27 August 2000)

Abdikassim Salad Hassan was elected President of an interim government at the Djibouti-sponsored Arta Peace Conference on 27 August 2000 by a broad representation of Somali clans that compromised the Transitional Assembly.

Hassan Abshir Farah - Head of the Government

Born : in Nugaal region on June 20, 1945

Education/Profession : He went on to the Cairo Military Academy for three years, where he graduated as an officer in 1967. He holds law degree from the Somali National University. He speaks Somali, Arabic, Italian and English languages. In addition to his life-long commitment to public service, H.E Hassan Abshir Farah is a known enthusiast of sport - particularly football (Soccer) and basketball. He enjoys playing tennis and reading books.

Political career : In the early seventies and mid-eighties he served as the Mayor of Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia. During this period, he also served as a Governor of Bakol and Middle Shabelle regions. In diplomatic posts, he served as an ambassador to Japan and Germany and non-residence ambassador to Korea and Austria. In 1998 he was the co-sponsor of the Puntland constitutional conference, which facilitated the creation of the Puntland State of Somalia and later became the Minister of Internal affairs and Security for the Puntland State until May 17, 2000, when he resigned his post. On June 15, 2000 he was elected as the Chairman of the Internationally sponsored Somali Peace Conference in the neighboring Djibouti, which resulted the formation of the Somali Transitional Government. He was the Minister of Mineral Resources and Water for the previous Transitional Government.

(Prime Minister since 12 November 2001)

The northern part of the country declared itself independent as the Republic of Somaliland.

Muhammad Haji Ibrahim Egal - President

(President since 16 May 1993)

Dahir Riyale Kahin - Vice-president

(Vice-President since 1997)

SOUTH AFRICA

(Republic of South Africa)

Regime :

Republic

Thabo Mvuyelwa MBEKI - Chief of State

{Born 18 June 1942, Idutywa, Queenstown}

[Attended primary school in Idutywa and Butterworth and high school education at Lovedale, Alice. Expelled from school as a result of student strikes(1959) and forced to continue studies at home. Sat for matriculation examinations at St John's High School, Umtata (1959). Completed British "A" levels examinations (1960 and 1961). Undertook first year economics degree as an external student with the University of London (1961-1962) Master of Economics degree, University of Sussex (1966)]

(President since 16 June 1999)

President and executive deputy presidents elected by the National Assembly for five-year terms ; election last held 2 June 1999 (next scheduled for sometime between May and July 2004)

Jacob ZUMA - Executive Deputy President

{Born 12 April 1942, Inkandla, KwaZulu-Natal}

[Owing to his poor and rural childhood, and that his father died when he was still very young, Jacob Zuma did not receive any schooling.]

(Executive Deputy President since 16 June 1999)

 

 SUDAN

(Jumhuriyat as-Sudan)

Regime :

Transitional

Lt. GeneralOmar Hassan Ahmad al-Bashir - Chief of State

Born : in 1944 North of Khartoum

Education : Vocational military, graduated from the academy of administrative studies in Khartoum]

(President since 30 June 1989)

{President of Revolutionary Command Council for National Salvation to 16 october 1993}

The president is both the chief of state and head of the government.

President elected by popular vote for a five-year term ; election last held 11 to 20 december 2000 - al-BASHIR reelected with 86.5 percent of the vote (next to be held NA 2004)

Ali Osman Mohamed Taha - Vice-President

(First Vice-President since 25 January 2000)

awaiting

Maj. Gen. (Police) George Kongor Arop - Vice-President

(Secon dVice-President since 25 January 2000 )

 

 SWAZILAND

(Kingdom of Swaziland)

Regime :

Monarchy (independent member of Commonwealth)

King MSWATI III - Chief of State

(Prince Makosetive)

{Born at the Releigh Fitkin Memorial Hospital on April 19, 1968}

[He sat for the Swaziland Primary Certificate examination in December 1982 at Phondo Royal Residence and got a First Class with merit in Mathematics and English. After studied English, Mathematics, Business Studies, Geography, Physical Science and Economics while at Sherbourne.]

(King since 25 April 1986)

The monarchy is hereditary

Dr. Barnabas Sibusiso DLAMINI - Head of the Government

{Born 15th May, 1942}

[University of Wisconsin, USA Bachelor of Science (Chemistry and Mathematics), 1969 University of South Africa Bachelor of Commerce (Economics and Accounting), 1976 New York University, USA Master of Business Administration (Financial Management), 1982 Profession Industrial Chemist Chartered Accountant Economist]

(Prime Minister since 26 July 1996)

Prime minister appointed by the monarch.

Hon Senator Arthur R. V. KHOZA - Deputy Prime Minister

{Born 19th March , 1939}

[Matsapha Swazi National High School. Bachelor of Arts Administration - University of South Africa (University College of Pius XII - Roma,Basutoland, an affiliate of UNISA)]

(Deputy Prime Minister since 26 July 1996)

 

TANZANIA

(United Republic of Tanzania)

Regime :

Republic

Benjamin William Mkapa - Chief of State

Born : on November 12th, 1938 at Masasi, Mtwara Region

Education/Profession : He was at Kigonsera Seminary between 1952 and 1953, before moving to Ndanda Secondary School for his Ordinary Level Secondary Education. Moved to Saint Francis College (now Pugu Secondary School) for Advanced Level in Secondary Education where he was awarded with a Cambridge School Certificate. From 1959 to 1962 he was at Makerere University College in Uganda and obtained Preliminary Arts (1959) and Bachelor of Arts Degree (Hons) in English (1962).

Party : CCM (Chama Cha Mapinduzi / Revolutionary State Party)

(President since 28 November 1995)

The president is both chief of state and head of the government.

President and vice president elected on the same ballot by popular vote for five-year terms ; election last held 29 October 2000 - MKPA reelect with 84.4 % (next to be held NA October 2005)

Dr.Ali Mohamed Sheni - Vice-President

Born : in 1948 in Pemba Island of the semiautonomous Zanzibar region

Party : CCM (Chama Cha Mapinduzi / Revolutionary State Party)

Political career : Became Minister of State in the President's Office of Zanzibar, responsible for justice, constitutional affairs and good governance after the general elections last October. He is also a member of the National Executive Committee of the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM). He served as the Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Health of Zanzibar from 1995 to 2000.

(Vice-President since 13 July 2001)

Frederick Sumaye - Head of the Government

Born : on May 29th, 1950 at Hanang District in Arusha Region}

Education/Profession : Between 1958 and 1961 he was at Gidas Primary School attending primary education, after which he moved to Singe Middle School till 1965. Between 1966 and 1969 he was doing his Secondary School Education at lboru School and the following year joined Egerton College in Kenya and attained a Diploma in Agricultural Engineering in 1972.

Party : CCM (Chama Cha Mapinduzi / Revolutionary State Party)

(Prime Minister since 28 November 1995)

 

 TOGO

(Republique Togolaise)

Regime :

Republic (republic under transition to multiparty democratic rule)

Gen.Gnassingbe Eyadema - Chief of State

Born : in 1935 in Pya village, in the Kabyé region, Northern Togo

Education/Profession : In 1953, when he was 18, he was enlisted in the French army.

Party : RPT (Rassemblement du Peuple Togolais / Rally of the Togolose People)

(President since 14 April 1967)

President elected by popular vote for a five-year term ; election last held 21 June 1998 - EYADEMA reelected. (next to be held NA 2003)

Agbeyome Messan Kodjo - Head of the Government

Born : in 1954

Party : RPT (Rassemblement du Peuple Togolais / Rally of the Togolose People)

(Prime Minister since 31 August 2000)

Prime minister appointed by the president.

 

 TUNISIA

(Al Jumhuriyah at Tunisiyah)

Regime :

Republic

Zine al Abidine BEN ALI - Chief of State

{Born on September 3, 1936 in Hammam-Sousse}

[When he was 16 he joined the Destourian Youth. He obtained a degree in electronic engineering then went on a military training in Franceand in the US.]

(President since 7 November 1987)

President elected by popular vote for a five-year term ; election last held 24 October 1999 - BEN ALI reelected (next to be held NA 2004)

Mohamed GHANNOUCHI - Head of the Government

{Born in 1941 in the region of Sousse}

[Vocational Economist]

(Prime Minister since 17 November 1999)

Prime minister appointed by the president.

 

 UGANDA

(Republic of Uganda)

Regime :

Republic

Lt. Gen.Yoweri Kaguta Museveni - Chief of State

Born : in 1944

Education/Profession : Studied political science and economies at the University of Dar-es-Salaam, graduating in 1970 with a Bachelor of Arts.

Political career : After Idi Amin's coup in 1971, he was instrumental in the formation of FRONASA (Front for National Salvation). In April 1979, FRONASA, together with the Tanzania Peoples' Defence Forces, ousted Idi Amin. Became President of Uganda on January 26th 1986, after leading a successful five year guerilla struggle against the regimes of Milton Obote and Tito Okello. He formed a broad-based government in which formerly politically hostile factions were brought under the unifying influence of the National Resistance Movement (NRM).

(President since seizing power 29 January 1986)

The president is both chief of state and head of government.

President elected by popular vote for a five-years term ; election last held 12 March 2001 (next to be held NA 2006)

 

Dr.Wandira Specioza Kazibwe - Vice President

Education/Profession : Medical Doctor by profession and she studied at Makerere University in Kampala. She also holds a Masters Degree in Surgery.

Political career : Has served in many positions in the NRM Government. She has served as a Deputy Minister for Industry from 1989 to 1991. She also served as Minister for Gender and Community Development. In 1994, Dr. Kazibwe was appointed Vice-President and Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, portfolio she continues to serve in.

(Vice President since 1994)

Pr.Apollo Nsibambi - Head of the Government

Born : on November 27, 1938

Education/Profession : Obtained a Bachelor's Degree in Economics from London in 1964, A Master Degree in Political Science from Chicago in 1966 and a PhD from Nairobi in 1984. Director, Makerere Institute of Social Research. Professor of Political Science and Public Administration. Vice Chairman of Council of The Christian University of East Africa.

Political career : He was appointed to the portfolio of Prime Minister and Leader of Government Business in April 1999. Before then, he was the Minister of Education and Sports from May 1998 - April 1999 and Minister of Public Service from July 1996 - May 1998.

Note : Member of the Academy of Political Science (USA). Minister of Constitutional and Political Affairs and Human Rights in Buganda Kingdom

(Prime Minister since 5 April 1999)

The prime minister assists the president in the supervision of the cabinet.

 

 ZAMBIA

(Republic of Zambia)

Regime :

Republic

Levy Mwanawasa - Chief of State

{Born on Sept. 3, 1948 in Mufulira, Zambia}

Profile : He was the 2nd born child in a family of 10. He holds a law degree from the University of Zambia. He worked in private law firms from 1974 until 1978 when he formed his own firm Mwanawasa & Company. In 1985, Mwanawasa served as Solicitor General of the Republic of Zambia but went back to private practice the following year. He worked as senior partner in this firm until March 1992 when he was named as Vice President of Zambia in December 1991. On Dec. 8, 1991, Mwanawasa while on duty was involved in a nasty road traffic accident in which his aide died on the spot. He suffered multiple body injuries and was flown to Johannesburg South Africa for medical treatment. He remained in hospital for 3 months. Mwanawasa served as Vice President of Zambia from 1991 until 1994 when he resigned citing gross abuse of office and corruption by some leaders and insubordination to him by some colleagues. In 1996, he contested presidency of MMD and lost. He retired from active politics again. In August this year, the National Executive Committee elected Mwanawasa as its presidential candidate for the 2001 elections. Mwanawasa is married to Maureen and they have four children &endash; Chipokota, Matolo, Lubona and Ntembe. He also has two other children Miriam and Patrick from his first marriage. His wife is a baptized member of the Jehovah's Witnesses.

(President since 02 January 2002)

The president is both the chief of state and head of the government.

President elected by popular vote for a five-year term ; election last held 27 December 2001 - Mwanawasa elected (next to be held NA 2004)

Christon TEMBO - Vice President

(Vice President since December 1997)

Vice president appointed by the president.

 

 ZIMBABWE

(Republic of Zimbabwe)

Regime :

Parliamentary democracy

Robert Gabriel MUGABE - Chief of State

{Born 21st February, 1924, at Kutama Mission in Zvimba, about eighty kilometres from Zimbabwe's capital, Harare}

[B.A. (Fort Hare) ; B. Admin., B.Ed (UNISA) ; B.Sc. Econ., LLB, LLM , Msc. Econ. (University of London)]

(President since 31 December 1987)

The president is both the chief of state and head of the government.

President nominated by the House of Assembly for a six-year term (if more than one nomination, an electoral college consisting of members of the House of Assembly elects the president) ; election last held, 24 and 25 June 2000 - MUGABE reelected president (next to be held NA March 2006)

Simon Vengai MUZENDA - Vice President

(Vice President since 31 December 1987)

Vice president appointed by the president.

Msika, Joseph - Vice President

(Vice President since February 1, 2000)

Vice president appointed by the president.

Dependencies and Associated States

SAINT HELENA

(Saint Helena)

(Territory of the UK)

Regime :   

NA (not available)

Queen ELIZABETH II - Chief of State

(Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor)

{Born in London on April 21 , 1926}

[Princess Elizabeth was educated at home with Princess Margaret, her younger sister. After her father succeeded to the throne in 1936 and she became heir presumptive, she started to study constitutional history and law. She also studied art and music etc…]

(Queen since 6 February 1952)

Represented by Governor and Commander in Chief

David HOLLAMBY

David HOLLAMBY

(Governor and Commander in Chief since 24 june 1999)

Governor is appointed by the monarch.

Legislative :

Unicameral Legislative Council (15 seats, including the governor, 2 ex officio and 12 elected members; members are elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms) Elections : last held 9 July 1997 (next to be held NA July 2001)

WESTERN SAHARA

(Western Sahara)

MINURSO

Regime :   

Legal status of territory and question of sovereignty unresolved.

note : Sahara is recognized by many states around the world. Its territory is occupied and annexed by Morocco.

Mohammed Abdel Aziz - Chief of State

Party : POLISARIO (Frente Popular de Liberación de Seguía el-Hamra y Río de Oro / Popular Front for the Liberation of Seguia el Hamra and Rio de Oro)

(President since 16 October 1982) Chief of State

Bouchraya Hammoudi Bayoune - Head of the Government

Party : POLISARIO (Frente Popular de Liberación de Seguía el-Hamra y Río de Oro / Popular Front for the Liberation of Seguia el Hamra and Rio de Oro)

Legislative :

The National Council has 89 members, 88 members elected in 16 multi-seat constituencies and the president as ex officio member.

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