Cameroon’s longtime leader, President Paul Biya, has officially announced his intention to run for an eighth presidential term, setting the stage for a pivotal election on October 12, 2025. At 92 years old, Biya is currently the world’s oldest serving head of state, and if re-elected, he could remain in power well into his late 90s.

Biya made the declaration via a post on his verified account on X (formerly Twitter), stating:

“I am a candidate in the presidential election. Rest assured that my determination to serve you matches the urgency of the challenges we face.”

Over Four Decades in Power

Biya has been at the helm of Cameroon since 1982, following the resignation of the country’s first president, Ahmadou Ahidjo. Over the past 42 years, he has maintained a tight grip on power, largely through a combination of constitutional changes, party dominance, and limited political space for dissent.

In 2008, Biya abolished term limits, allowing him to seek re-election indefinitely. His most recent win in 2018, where he claimed over 71% of the vote, was marred by allegations of widespread fraud and voter suppression from opposition parties.

Growing Health Concerns

Biya’s advanced age and declining public presence have reignited questions about his health and ability to govern. He has made few public appearances in recent years and was notably absent from the spotlight for 42 consecutive days in 2023, prompting speculation about his condition. The government dismissed these concerns and labeled any public discussion of his health as a national security risk.

Despite the secrecy, the president has become more active on social media platforms like X, where he first announced his 2018 campaign—a notable shift for a leader historically distanced from direct public engagement.

A Divided Political Landscape

While the ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM) has rallied behind Biya, cracks are beginning to show within the pro-government coalition. Two former allies have defected and launched their own campaigns for the presidency.

Several opposition leaders have already declared their candidacies, including:

• Maurice Kamto (Cameroon Renaissance Movement), the runner-up in 2018
• Joshua Osih (Social Democratic Front)
• Akere Muna, prominent lawyer and activist
• Cabral Libii (Cameroon Party for National Reconciliation)

These challengers have criticized Biya’s extended rule, citing economic stagnation, rampant corruption, and erosion of democratic institutions.

National Challenges Mount

Under Biya’s leadership, Cameroon has faced a range of serious issues:

• A protracted separatist conflict in the English-speaking northwest and southwest regions
• Frequent attacks from Boko Haram insurgents in the Far North
• Widespread poverty and youth unemployment, despite the country’s rich reserves of oil and cocoa

Analysts warn that if Biya were to suddenly step down or become incapacitated, Cameroon could face a turbulent succession crisis, as no clear successor has been designated and institutional checks remain weak.

Looking Ahead

As the election approaches, all eyes will be on whether electoral reforms are implemented to ensure a free and transparent vote. Opposition groups are pressing for greater oversight, neutral electoral bodies, and freedom of political expression, especially in regions affected by conflict.

President Biya’s decision to run again underscores both the enduring strength of his political machinery and the fragility of democratic processes in Cameroon. With a deeply divided electorate and a host of unresolved national issues, the 2025 presidential race could be one of the most consequential in the country’s modern history.