History isn’t just a collection of dusty dates or boring speeches; it’s the story of people. It’s about the strong voices that roared for freedom, the quiet strategists who built nations, and sometimes, the tragic mysteries that leave us asking "why?"

If you look back at 2025, it feels like the forest of African leadership was shaken by a great wind. We lost the "Big Men" who remembered when their countries were just lines on a colonial map, and we lost modern leaders in moments of shocking, sudden violence. It was a year of closing chapters.

Here are the notable African political figures we said goodbye to in 2025.

Adewunmi Oriyomi Onanuga (Nigeria) Deputy Chief Whip of the House of Representatives Died: January 15, 2025 

The year started on a somber note with the loss of "Ijaya," a powerful woman in Nigerian politics. She was a key voice in the House of Representatives, representing Ogun State. She passed away after a brief illness, leaving a silence in the legislative chambers where she once commanded attention.

Madior Diouf (Senegal) Former Minister of Higher Education and political figure. Died: January 23, 2025 

A brilliant mind and a seasoned politician, Diouf was a man who lived at the intersection of learning and leading. He spent a lifetime shaping Senegal’s educational policies and political landscape. He died at the age of 85, closing the book on a life dedicated to public service.

Sam Nujoma (Namibia) Founding President and Father of the Nation. Died: February 9, 2025 

Imagine spending your whole life fighting for your home, then finally getting to lead it. That was Sam Nujoma. He led Namibia to independence and served as its first president for 15 years. He was the last of the great freedom fighters of his era. He died in a Windhoek hospital at 95, signaling the end of the liberation generation.

Pa Ayo Adebanjo (Nigeria) Leader of Afenifere Died: February 14, 2025 

On Valentine’s Day, Nigeria lost a man who loved his country with a fierce, uncompromising passion. Adebanjo was a nationalist who spent decades fighting for democracy and federalism. He died peacefully in his sleep at 96, a lion resting at last.

Edwin Clark (Nigeria) Former Federal Commissioner and Ijaw Leader Died: February 17, 2025

Just days after Pa Adebanjo, another titan fell. "Pa Clark" was the voice of the Niger Delta, constantly demanding a fair deal for the region that produces Nigeria's oil wealth. He remained vocal and active right up until his death at 97.

Doyin Okupe (Nigeria) Former Presidential Spokesperson Died: March 7, 2025 

Okupe was the man with the microphone for two different Nigerian presidents. A physician by training but a politician by trade, he was known for his sharp wit and ability to spin any story. He succumbed to cancer at the age of 72.

Mamadou Badio Camara (Senegal) President of the Constitutional Council Died: April 10, 2025

In the game of politics, you need a referee. Camara was that referee for Senegal, the top judge who made sure elections were fair. His death came just as the country was going through big changes, leaving a gap in the judicial system.

Fouad Mebazaa (Tunisia) Former Interim President Died: April 23, 2025 

When Tunisia’s dictator fled in 2011, Mebazaa was the man who stepped in to keep the country from falling apart. He was a steady hand during a revolution. He passed away from natural causes at 91.

Ngugi wa Thiong'o (Kenya) Author, Activist, and Intellectual Giant Died: May 28, 2025 

He wasn't a politician in the traditional sense, but his pen was mightier than any sword. Ngugi spent his life writing against colonization and dictatorships, even going to prison for it. He died in the US while being treated for kidney failure, leaving behind books that changed how Africans see themselves.

Edgar Lungu (Zambia) Former President Died: June 5, 2025 

Lungu led Zambia for six years and remained a heavy hitter in opposition politics even after he left office. He died in a South African hospital, leaving his party, the Patriotic Front, to figure out its future without him.

David Mabuza (South Africa) Former Deputy President of South Africa Died: July 4, 2025

Known as "The Cat" for his political survival skills, Mabuza was a quiet but incredibly powerful operator who helped shape the presidency of Cyril Ramaphosa. He passed away at age 64 after a long illness.

Muhammadu Buhari (Nigeria) Former President and Head of State Died: July 13, 2025

Buhari was a man who ruled Nigeria twice—once as a stern military general in the 80s, and again as a democratic president in the 2010s. He was a polarizing figure who promised to fight corruption. He died in London at the age of 82.

The Ghana Helicopter Crash Victims Including Ministers Edward Omane Boamah and Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed Died: August 6, 2025 

It was a "Black Wednesday" for Ghana. A military helicopter flying to an anti-illegal mining operation crashed into a forest, killing everyone on board. The nation lost its Minister for Defence and Minister for Environment in a single, fiery instant.

Sarah Mateke Nyirabashitsi (Uganda) State Minister for Defence Died: September 7, 2025 

She was a rising star in Uganda's government, tasked with the heavy responsibility of national defense. She died suddenly just hours before she was supposed to fly to South Korea for work, shocking her colleagues and constituents.

Raila Odinga (Kenya) Former Prime Minister and Opposition Leader Died: October 15, 2025

They called him "Baba" (Father). For decades, you couldn't talk about Kenyan politics without talking about Raila. He fought for democracy, was detained, and ran for president five times. He died of a heart attack in India, and his funeral back home was so crowded it turned tragic.

Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings (Ghana) Former First Lady and influential political figure Died: October 23, 2025 

She was more than just a First Lady; she was a political force. The wife of Jerry Rawlings, she founded a movement to empower women and even ran for president herself. She remained a powerful voice in Ghanaian politics until her death.

Anicet Ekane (Cameroon) Opposition Leader Died: December 1, 2025 

Ekane died in a detention cell. He had been arrested for protesting an election and was reportedly denied medical care when he couldn't breathe. His death became a symbol of the struggle against long-ruling regimes in Central Africa.

Marius van der Merwe (South Africa) Whistleblower Died: December 5, 2025 

He wasn't a politician, but his death was deeply political. Van der Merwe was a star witness exposing corruption in the police force. He was assassinated in his own driveway—a professional hit designed to silence him and scare others.

Tanko Muhammad (Nigeria) Former Chief Justice Died: December 16, 2025 

The former head of Nigeria's judiciary, Muhammad had a controversial tenure marked by a mutiny of judges. He passed away in a hospital in Saudi Arabia.

Fernando da Piedade Dias dos Santos "Nandó" (Angola) Former Prime Minister and Vice President Died: December 18, 2025 

"Nandó" was a giant in Angolan history, having served in almost every top job except President. He was found unconscious in his home sauna and died of cardiac arrest, marking the end of an era for the ruling MPLA party.