Norimitsu Onishi New York Times May 20, 2017. LUANDA, Angola — A billboard in the heart of Angola’s capital, Luanda, reads like a warning to any challengers, reminding everyone of the tremendous share of votes won by President José Eduardo dos Santos in his party’s leadership race last year: 99.6 percent. As Africa’s second-longest-serving head of state, with nearly 38 years in power, Mr. dos Santos appeared to be a member of the continent’s club of lifetime leaders. His grip only tightening with age, it seemed that this legendary survivor would surely die in office. See full story.

Photo caption: A billboard in Luanda, Angola, congratulating President José Eduardo dos Santos. He says he is stepping down after 38 years in office. Credit ©Joao Silva/The New York Times