Cameroon's 92-Year-Old President Paul Biya Announces Bid for Eighth Term Amid Growing Criticism

 

Cameroon's 92-year-old President Paul Biya has declared his intention to run for re-election in October 2025, aiming for an eighth term in office that could see him rule until the age of 99. Biya made the announcement on social media, nearly 21 years after joking in 2004 about rumors of his death. His decision has drawn immediate backlash in local media and on social platforms, reflecting rising public frustration and fatigue after more than four decades under his leadership.

Biya took power in 1982 after succeeding his mentor, Ahmadou Ahidjo, and has ruled with a firm grip since. In 2008, he removed presidential term limits, clearing the way for landslide victories in 2011 and 2018 elections widely criticized by the opposition for alleged irregularities such as ballot-stuffing and intimidation.

In recent years, Biya has rarely appeared in public, which has intensified speculation over his health and who is actually leading the country. Last year, his government banned public discussion about his medical condition, but that hasn't stopped Cameroonians from openly questioning his capability.

Now, two former allies have split from the ruling coalition and plan to run against him, further signaling potential shifts in the political landscape. Civil society voices, including respected human rights lawyer Alice Nkom, have publicly urged Biya to step aside, citing his age and physical frailty.

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Though some analysts say the ruling party could still secure victory through administrative control and questionable electoral practices, there is growing awareness among citizens that may challenge the status quo. The level of political engagement appears to be rising as frustrations mount over poor infrastructure, insecurity, and government absence in the daily lives of citizens.

As President Paul Biya prepares to extend his 42-year reign, Cameroon faces escalating economic and security troubles. The country remains gripped by a separatist conflict in its English-speaking regions and Islamist insurgencies in the north, particularly from groups tied to Nigeria’s Boko Haram. These challenges, along with crumbling infrastructure and lack of basic services like water, electricity, and waste management, continue to weigh heavily on citizens.

Despite being rich in natural resources like cocoa and oil, Cameroon’s development has stagnated. Experts argue that the problems stem from years of top-down governance, institutional inefficiency, and a lack of innovation and transparency. For many Cameroonians, the president's long absences and limited public visibility symbolize a government detached from everyday realities.

Rebecca Enonchong, a prominent tech entrepreneur, echoed a common sentiment: “Most of us don’t believe Biya is actually running the country anymore.” Research analyst Pippie Hugues Marcelline added that while problems aren’t new, they’ve worsened over time, with increasing public awareness now fueling calls for change.

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In a rare move, veteran lawyer Alice Nkom released a video urging Biya to acknowledge his limits and resign. Drawing from her own experience as an elder, she noted that aging brings natural decline in both physical and mental faculties, which can hinder effective leadership.

Yet, Biya remains undeterred. Backed by a ruling party known for leveraging state structures and alleged fraudulent tactics, analysts warn that a new term is still possible. If Biya becomes incapacitated or dies in office, the country could be thrown into a power struggle. With only two presidents since independence in the early 1960s, Cameroon has no clear succession plan a scenario that could invite instability.

Biya’s eighth term bid raises pressing questions: Is Cameroon prepared for change? And what happens if it doesn’t come soon enough?