Pope Leo XIV is visiting African countries for the first time in 2026, including Algeria, Angola, and Cameroon. These countries have seen significant political changes in their recent history, with Algeria's President ending President Abdelaziz Bouteflika's two decades in power and ushering in constitutional reforms. However, critics argue that little has fundamentally changed in the country. The country is one of the most stable in a volatile region that includes Libya and Sahel states such as Mali and Niger. Meanwhile, Angola is a leading oil ‘producing nation in sub-Saharan Africa, accounting for 95% of its exports and is still dealing with severe security challenges. President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo has been in power in Equatorial Guinea since 1979, making him the world's longest-serving president.