Cameroon's long-serving president, Paul Biya, officially announces his candidacy for an eighth term, despite widespread criticism on governance and rising opposition movements.
Paul Biya Plans Bid for Eighth Term as Cameroon President
Paul Biya Plans Bid for Eighth Term as Cameroon President
The 92-year-old incumbent, aiming to extend his lengthy rule, faces renewed opposition and growing calls for leadership change.
Cameroon's President Paul Biya, who is 92 years old, has confirmed his intention to seek re-election in October, marking a bid for his eighth term in office and an extension of his remarkable 43-year presidency. In a recent post on social media platform X, Biya stated, "Rest assured that my determination to serve you matches the urgency of the challenges we face." He attributed his decision to run again to "numerous and insistent" requests from citizens both domestically and in the diaspora.
Biya's government has faced accusations of corruption, poor governance, and a lack of response to significant security issues, raising questions about his health and capacity to lead. His lengthy absence from public view last year—over six weeks—sparked rumors concerning his well-being, including unfounded claims about his death. Although his candidacy had been anticipated, it was not officially confirmed until his recent online announcement.
Since assuming power in 1982, Biya has never suffered an electoral defeat. Should he win another seven-year term, he could be President until he is nearly 100 years old. Notably, there are escalating demands, both locally and internationally, for him to step aside and facilitate the emergence of new leadership in the country.
Biya’s announcement comes in the wake of a political schism with key allies in the northern regions, who have historically assisted him in securing votes. Prominent figures like Issa Tchiroma Bakary and former Prime Minister Bello Bouba Maigari have recently distanced themselves from Biya’s ruling coalition, declaring their ambitions to run against him.
In addition to internal dissent, several opposition leaders have thrown their hats into the ring, including 2018 election runner-up Maurice Kamto and other notable political figures. While some members of Biya’s own party, the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement, continue to rally around him, advocating for another term, dissenting voices are growing louder for a shift away from his lengthy leadership.
In a controversial move that has raised concerns among critics, Biya abolished presidential term limits in 2008, allowing him to pursue the presidency indefinitely. His last electoral contest in 2018 concluded with him receiving over 71% of the votes amid widespread allegations of electoral manipulation.
