Cameroon’s 92-Year-Old President Paul Biya to Run for Eighth Term
Cameroon’s long-serving leader, Paul Biya, has confirmed he will contest for an eighth term in the upcoming presidential elections scheduled for October 12.
Biya, who holds the title of the world’s oldest and longest-serving head of state, made the announcement on Sunday evening through social media posts in both French and English.
In his message, Biya brushed aside age-related concerns and promised to continue leading the country despite growing challenges. He told Cameroonians that his commitment remains strong in the face of the country’s difficulties.
“I am a candidate in the presidential election,” he wrote. “Rest assured that my determination to serve you matches the urgency of the challenges we face.”
If re-elected, Biya would stay in power until nearly 100 years old. He has ruled Cameroon since 1982 after taking over from independence leader Ahmadou Ahidjo.
Health Concerns Loom Over Re-Election Bid
Biya’s health remains a constant source of speculation. Last year, he vanished from public life for 42 days, fuelling fresh concerns about his fitness to govern. His candidacy had been widely expected but only became official with Sunday’s social media post.
In recent months, Biya had been increasingly active on social media, a repeat of his 2018 campaign strategy when he also used digital platforms to announce his run.
Supporters from the ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM) have been calling for Biya to run again since last year, with many ministers praising his leadership. But the opposition and civil society activists see his continued rule as a major problem.
Supporters Celebrate, Critics Call for Change
Two of Biya’s former allies have quit the ruling coalition and announced their own candidacies, joining a growing chorus demanding political change.
Human rights lawyer Nkongho Felix Agbor said Biya’s latest run shows how Cameroon’s politics have stagnated.
Biya rarely makes public appearances and increasingly leaves official duties to his powerful chief of staff. After his 42-day absence last year, the government dismissed health rumours but banned public discussions about his condition, calling it a “national security” issue.
Cameroon’s Political Future Remains Uncertain
In 2008, Biya removed term limits, allowing himself to run indefinitely. He won the 2018 election with more than 71% of the vote, though opposition groups accused him of widespread fraud.
Cameroon, a key cocoa and oil producer, has only had two leaders since gaining independence in the early 1960s. Political analysts warn of a messy succession crisis should Biya become too ill or die in office, as there is no clear successor.
Several opposition candidates have already declared their intention to run, including 2018 runner-up Maurice Kamto, Social Democratic Front’s Joshua Osih, lawyer Akere Muna, and Cabral Libii of the Cameroon Party for National Reconciliation.
They have all criticised Biya’s extended rule and demanded meaningful electoral reforms ahead of the 2025 vote.
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