Cameroon’s President Paul Biya Seeks Eighth Term At 92

Cameroon’s 92-year-old President Paul Biya is aiming for an eighth term in the presidential election happening this year. Biya, who is the world’s oldest serving head of state, has been in power since 1982. He has never lost an election since taking office in the Central African nation. If he wins another seven-year term, he would stay on as president until he is nearly 100.

Biya claimed recently that he is seeking another seven-year term after numerous calls by people from all regions in Cameroon. A notable fact is that Paul Biya is only the second person to lead the country since it gained independence from France and Britain in the early 1960s. In 2008, Biya removed presidential term limits, permitting him to contest elections indefinitely. He secured nearly 71% of the vote in the 2018 elections. But these results were met with accusations of widespread irregularities from the opposition.

Frequent speculation surrounds Paul Biya's health, specifically after his 42-day disappearance from the public view last year. His absence also prompted unfounded speculation that he had died. Consequently, the government publicly denied these claims. At that point, authorities banned the media from discussing the health of Paul Biya. The administration additionally directed governors to establish units for monitoring private media channels and social networks.

There's mounting pressure, both within and beyond Cameroon's borders, for him to step down for a transition to new leadership in the country. Ineffective governance, persistent security challenges, and allegations of corruption have consistently drawn criticism against Biya's administration. Opposition leaders and certain civil society groups say that the country’s progress, both economically and democratically, has slowed under Biya's long period.

Recently, some of Biya's long-standing allies reportedly turned against him, launching their campaigns for president. At the same time, members of the ruling Cameroon People's Democratic Movement, along with other supporters, have openly urged Biya to seek re-election since last year. The presidential polls are set for October, and the African country is anticipated to experience considerable political strain over the coming months.