Premium News
92 YEARS OLD CAMEROON’S LONG-SERVING PRESIDENT, PAUL BIYA, TO RUN FOR EIGHT TERM IN OFFICE
Cameroon’s long-serving President Paul Biya has officially declared his intention to run for an unprecedented eighth term in office; a move that could see him remain in power until he is nearly 100 years old.
Biya, who took office in 1982, made the announcement via social media on Sunday, ending months of speculation with the words: “Rest assured that my determination to serve you matches the urgency of the challenges we face.”
Now 92, Biya is the world’s oldest sitting head of state. Despite rarely appearing in public and facing mounting health rumours, especially after a 42-day disappearance last year, he remains a central figure in Cameroonian politics, having removed term limits in 2008.
However, the declaration has sparked renewed outcry from critics and opposition leaders who say his extended rule has stalled democracy and economic development. Some of his former allies have already broken ranks and declared independent bids ahead of the October 12 vote.
Meanwhile, civil society groups are warning that the country may face a succession crisisif the veteran leader becomes too ill to govern or dies in office, especially amid ongoing security crises in the English-speaking regions and persistent Boko Haram attacks in the north.
Cameroon, which has had only two presidents since independence in the early 1960s, now stares at a crossroads moment.
