9 African Presidents who had more than one wife

Senegal’s President Elect Bassirou Diomaye has set social media alight with his first public appearance with his two wives walking by his side.

The 44-year-old has two wives and four children. His wife’s names are Marie Khone Faye and Absa Faye. Marie has four children; 3 boys and a girl while Absa has no children yet.

Below is a list of Presidents present and past who are polygamous.

Jacob Zuma

The former South African President had 4 wives; Sizakele Khumalo, Nompumelelo Ntuli, Kate Mantsho Zuma, and Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma.

Omar Al Bashir

The ousted Sudanese president had two spouses namely Widad Babiker and Fatima Khalid.

Fatima Khalid, was his first wife and alleged to be one of his cousins. Widad Babikr, his second wife, whom he married in 2003, was the widow of Col Ibrahim Shamseldin, member of the Revolutionary Command Council for National Salvation and one of Al Bashir’s closest military friends, who died in a helicopter crash in April 2001.

Libya’s Muammar Gaddafi

The late Gadaffi ruled from 1969 to 2011.

His first wife was Fatiha al-Nuri Khaled aka Fathiha, who was a teacher by profession. He married Fatiha in 1968. This was an arranged marriage and lasted only for six months.

Later he married Safia Farkash. He met her in 1969 and she was his former nurse when he was hospitalized after a coup.

The couple remained married until his death.

DR Congo’s Mobutu Sese Seko

The late leader had two wives; Bobby Ladawa and Marie Antoinette.

Former Gambian President Yahya Jammeh 

He served from 1996-2017.

His spouses  were Alima Sallah (2010–2011), Zineb Jammeh (1999) and Tuti Faal (1994–1998)

Togo’s Gnassingbe Eyadema

He was the President of Togo from 1967 until his death in 2005.

He had three wives.

King Mswati of Swaziland

Mswati became the youngest world leader when he ascended the throne at the age of 18 in 1986. 

During his tenure,  he married 14, divorced 3, and lost one to suicide.

Gambia President Adama Barrow

Adama Barrow was elected into office in 2017. He has two wives Fatou Bah and Sarjo Mballow.