Several African presidents have appointed close relatives to cabinet positions, drawing attention to familial ties within political leadership.
In Tanzania, President Samia Suluhu made headlines on November 17, 2025, by naming her son-in-law, Mohamed Mchengerwa, as Minister for Health, and her daughter, Wanu Hafidh Ameir, as Deputy Minister of Education.
Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni has long included family in government, with his wife Janet Museveni serving as Minister of Education and Sports, and his son Muhoozi Kainerugaba holding senior military roles. His daughter Natasha Karugire has also been involved in state affairs.
Equatorial Guinea’s President Teodoro Obiang Nguema appointed two sons to influential cabinet positions. One son, Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, serves as Vice President, while another holds a key economic portfolio.
In Djibouti, President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh has placed close family members in strategic government roles, reinforcing a pattern of familial governance.
Côte d'Ivoire’s President Alassane Ouattara appointed his brother Gaoussou Ouattara to a ministerial post, while Denis Sassou Nguesso of the Republic of Congo named his son Denis-Christel to the cabinet.
Faustin-Archange Touadéra of the Central African Republic has also included close family in his administration.
