Yaounde, Cameroon – In a move that has sent ripples across the political landscape of Africa and beyond, Paul Biya, the nonagenarian President of Cameroon and the world's oldest serving head of state, has officially declared his intention to seek an unprecedented eighth term in office. At 92 years old, Biya's decision to contest the upcoming October 12th presidential election, confirmed via posts on his social media accounts on Sunday, signals his unwavering determination to extend his already formidable 43-year grip on power, potentially remaining at the helm until he is nearly 100.
Biya's journey to the presidency began in 1982, when he smoothly transitioned into the top office following the resignation of his predecessor, Ahmadou Ahidjo. Since then, he has meticulously consolidated power, navigating numerous challenges and consistently winning elections, often by substantial margins. His ruling Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM) has remained a powerful force, and calls for his re-election from within the party and among supporters have been persistent, particularly in the lead-up to this announcement. These calls, which Biya himself cited as "numerous and insistent" from across the ten regions of Cameroon and its diaspora, underscore the deep-seated political machinery that supports his continued rule.
However, Biya's enduring presidency has been a source of significant contention and criticism, both domestically and internationally. His administration has faced persistent accusations of widespread corruption, embezzlement of public funds, and poor governance. Critics argue that his prolonged tenure has stifled democratic development and economic growth in the Central African nation, leaving a generation of Cameroonians yearning for fresh leadership and a more dynamic political landscape. The country continues to grapple with high youth unemployment, rising costs of living, and inadequate public services, issues that fuel public discontent and empower opposition movements.
Concerns about President Biya's health have also been a recurring theme, intensifying particularly last year when he was absent from public view for over six weeks, sparking widespread rumors, including unfounded reports of his demise. While his recent public appearances and social media activity have sought to quell such speculation, the question of his physical and mental capacity to effectively govern remains a subject of intense public and political debate. Should he win another seven-year term, it would mean governing well into his late nineties, a prospect that raises legitimate questions about the demands of such a rigorous role at that advanced age.
The announcement of his candidacy has ignited the electoral race, with opposition parties and civil society groups already mobilizing. Notable challengers include Maurice Kamto, who secured second place in the 2018 presidential election and has emerged as one of Biya's most vocal critics. Other prominent opposition figures such as Joshua Osih, Akere Muna, and Cabral Libii are also expected to contest. The opposition, however, faces a familiar hurdle: a deep-seated fragmentation that has historically prevented them from uniting behind a single, formidable candidate. This division, many analysts believe, plays directly into Biya's hands, allowing him to maintain his dominance despite growing public desire for change.
Adding to the complexities of the upcoming election are recent high-profile defections from Biya's long-standing allies. Issa Tchiroma Bakary, the former employment minister, resigned from government in June to declare his own candidacy for the Front for the National Salvation of Cameroon (FSNC), publicly stating that Biya's administration had "broken" the trust of the people. Similarly, former Prime Minister Bello Bouba Maigari, who had been a loyal ally of Biya for nearly three decades, has also announced his intention to run under the banner of the National Union for Democracy and Progress (NUDP). These departures signal a fracturing within the traditional political establishment, potentially introducing new dynamics into the electoral contest.
Beyond internal political challenges, Cameroon under Biya's leadership has also had to contend with significant security threats. A protracted separatist conflict in the country's English-speaking regions continues to cause widespread displacement and deadly clashes with security forces, disrupting education and daily life for thousands. Furthermore, the northern parts of the country face ongoing incursions from the Boko Haram armed group, based in neighboring Nigeria, adding another layer of instability and requiring substantial governmental attention and resources.
Biya's ability to amend the constitution in 2008, removing presidential term limits, paved the way for his continuous candidacy and has been a cornerstone of his prolonged rule. This constitutional change has been widely criticized as a regressive step for Cameroon's democratic aspirations, allowing a single individual to maintain power indefinitely. While the 2018 elections saw Biya win with over 71% of the vote, they were also marred by accusations of manipulation and significant irregularities from the opposition, further fueling skepticism about the fairness of the electoral process.
As the October election draws closer, the world will undoubtedly watch Cameroon with keen interest. The decision of a 92-year-old president to seek an eighth term in office is not merely a political event but a profound reflection on governance, democracy, and the enduring power of long-serving leaders in a continent grappling with its own political evolution. For Cameroonians, the upcoming election represents a critical juncture, where the weight of continuity clashes with a growing yearning for change.
Source@BBC