In October 1968 Equatorial Guinea gained its independence with Francisco Macías Nguema becoming the president of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea.

Macias quickly moved to increase his presidential power and changed the constitution to name himself president for life (which would prove correct) and his rule was seen as a reign of terror as he arrested and executed those who dared to oppose his changes.

His nephew was Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo. In 1979, Obiang ousted Macias in a coup d’état. After his removal from power, Macias was arrested, tried, and executed.

Obiang became president of Equatorial Guinea, a position he still holds. Currently, Obiang is the longest-serving leader in Africa and the longest-serving president in the world.