Most presidents have tight security because they are high-profile individuals who are responsible for the governance and well-being of their country and its citizens. As such, they are vulnerable to various security threats, including terrorism, political violence, and assassination attempts.
Protecting the president and other high-level government officials is a critical responsibility of the state, and security measures are put in place to mitigate these threats.
According to Displore, heavily guarded presidents are likely those that have suffered political and civil unrest in the recent years.
Here are Six of the most heavily protected African presidents, each ensuring their safety and security during their terms in office:
1. Paul Biya (Cameroon).
President Paul Biya the president of the Republic of Cameroon, who has been Cameroon’s president for 37 years is amongst Africa’s most protected presidents. He rides in an armored range rover sentinel which costs 500,000 USD. On special occasions, he rides in his armored limousine.
President Paul Biya’s motorcade is one of the best in Africa. His convoy comprises of high-speed land cruisers and Mercedes Benz S class. out in public, his car is heavily guarded by a group of 8 specially selected bodyguards who run on foot at both sides of his car. He is sometimes lead by a fleet of horses. Because of this, he is considered to be one of Africa’s most protected presidents.
2.Emmerson Mnangagwa (Zimbabwe)
Due to the unrest witnessed in the Southern Africa country that led to the ‘clean’ coup of deceased President Robert Mugabe, Mnangagwa’s security detail especially when he is on official duties both in and out of the country has been reinforced. The 80-year old moves in an armored limousine followed by several presidential guards, complete with high speeding motorcycles.
3. Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi (Egypt).
Abdel Fattah el Sisi is the president of Egypt. He is one of the most protected presidents in Africa; and understandably so because he took power in a coup in 2013; he removed the democratically elected president, suspended the constitution, and installed himself as head of a new government.
In order for the same thing not to happen to him, he has to be well prepared. He is driven around in a black Mercedes Benz S 600 limo; and the vehicle is shielded within a motorcade of some 12 vehicles. He is surrounded by at least 10 bodyguards with special training.
4. Alpha Condé (Guinea).
Alpha Condé is the president of Guinea as he was recently sworn in for his third term as president, the nation as he is known for being one of the most protected African presidents who cruise in an Armored Mercedes-Benz Pullman presidential car along with high speeding land cruisers and over 10 high-speed police motorcycles.
Alpha Condé minds his safety and protection as each time he gets close to Guinea’s citizens, he is highly protected by 20 bodyguards wherever he goes and on his international trips.
5. Alassane Ouattara (Ivory Coast)
Alassane Ouattara has been the President of the Ivory Coast since 2010, and he is the country’s fifth President. Mr Ouattara is currently one of Africa’s best-protected rulers. When he travels in and out of the country on official business, he is accompanied by heavily armed security officers.
His presidential vehicle is followed on foot by heavily armed presidential protection until he is out of sight of the public. His convoy of high-speed motorcycles and armoured Land Cruisers follows him wherever he goes, creating one of the most impressive Presidential Motorcades.
6.Cyril Ramaphosa (South Africa)
Cyril Ramaphosa is a South African businessman and politician. He has served as the president of the African National Congress since 2017, in addition to taking office as the fifth democratically elected president of South Africa in 2018. Ramaphosa was born in South Africa.
Ramaphosa formerly held the positions of head of the National Planning commission, deputy president under President Jacob Zuma, and secretary general to Nelson Mandela when he was president of the African National Congress (ANC).He is one of the African presidents on our list of those who need the greatest security.
Ramaphosa, in contrast to former presidents, favours driving a crossover over sitting in a traditional car or driving an SUV. He makes use of specific or custom-made BMW vehicles, complete with exhibition riders and massive motorcades.
These leaders recognize that safety is paramount, and their security measures reflect their commitment to serving their nations effectively.
