Cameroon’s long-serving leader, President Paul Biya, has announced his candidacy for an unprecedented eighth term in the country’s upcoming presidential election scheduled for October 12, 2025.
At 92, Biya is currently the world’s oldest sitting head of state and Africa’s second-longest-serving leader, having held office since 1982. In his announcement, he reaffirmed his commitment to protecting the security and welfare of Cameroonians—something he described as a central mission throughout his four-decade rule.
He praised his administration’s achievements as tangible and significant, while recognizing the complexity of challenges ahead in a changing global environment. He said widespread support from Cameroonians both at home and abroad influenced his decision to seek re-election.
Biya stated that improving the lives of young people and women would be key priorities in his new term. He urged national unity, saying, “Together, there are no challenges we cannot meet. The best is still to come.”
However, his bid for another term has reignited criticism from opposition voices and civil society leaders who view it as a sign of democratic stagnation. Human rights advocates argue that Cameroon needs leadership renewal, not continued rule by the same figure.
Adding to the unfolding political tension, two prominent former ministers—Tourism Minister Bello Bouba Maigari and Issa Tchiroma Bakary—have resigned from government and announced their own intentions to run for president. Their moves are seen as signs of internal dissent within the ruling party.
Since the introduction of multi-party elections in 1992, Biya has consistently retained power, though his victories have been marred by allegations of electoral irregularities, conflict in the Anglophone regions, and widespread concerns about human rights. The 2025 election is shaping up to be a pivotal moment for the country, as citizens, particularly the youth, push for meaningful democratic change.
