Yaoundé/Nairobi – Cameroon’s President Paul Biya, the world’s oldest sitting head of state at 92, has announced he will seek re-election in October, aiming to extend his already 43-year rule.

In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), Biya stated:

“Rest assured that my determination to serve you matches the urgency of the challenges we face.”

He said his decision came in response to “numerous and insistent” appeals from across Cameroon and the diaspora.

Biya has been in power since 1982, winning every election since. His regime has faced long-standing criticism over corruption, poor governance, embezzlement, and inadequate responses to security crises. His prolonged absences from the public eye have also sparked concerns about his health and ability to govern.

Despite speculation, his candidacy was not confirmed until Sunday’s social media post, though he had long been considered the ruling party’s likely nominee.

If re-elected, Biya would serve another seven-year term, potentially remaining in office until the age of 99. He eliminated constitutional term limits in 2008, clearing the way for indefinite re-election.

His announcement comes amid growing calls—both domestically and internationally—for a leadership transition. The political landscape has shifted, especially after Biya lost support from key allies in northern Cameroon, a region that has historically helped secure his victories.

Notably, former Prime Minister Bello Bouba Maigari and former minister Issa Tchiroma Bakary have broken from Biya’s coalition and launched their own presidential campaigns. Tchiroma has openly criticized the administration, saying it had “broken public trust.”

Several opposition candidates have also declared their intention to run, including Maurice Kamto (Biya’s main challenger in 2018), Joshua Osih, Akere Muna, and Cabral Libii.

Biya’s party, the Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM), has strongly backed his re-election bid. Supporters and party officials have been urging him to run again since last year.

While Biya won the 2018 election with over 71% of the vote, international observers and opposition leaders alleged widespread irregularities in the electoral process.

With the October vote approaching, Cameroon faces a pivotal moment in its political history — one that may once again test the resilience of its democratic institutions.