A 92-Year-Old President is seeking the Eighth term which will make him rule for half a century

YAOUNDÉ, Cameroon – July 19, 2025

Cameroon’s long-serving President Paul Biya, at 92 years of age, has declared his intention to contest the upcoming October 2025 elections, aiming to extend his four-decade rule by another seven years. The announcement, made via a social media statement, has ignited a national conversation about the future of the country, the vitality of its democracy, and the challenges of youth unemployment, political stagnation, and the unresolved Anglophone conflict.

Biya, who has held the reins of power since 1982, is currently the oldest head of state in the world. Despite growing concerns about his health and prolonged absences from public life, he asserted in his message that “the best is yet to come.” His bid for re-election would potentially extend his leadership till when he will be 99 years old. setting a historic precedent not only in Africa but globally.

A Presidency Marked by Stability and Strain

President Biya’s supporters often point to his role in maintaining national stability in a volatile Central African region. Under his leadership, Cameroon has invested in infrastructure, expanded public works, and managed to avoid the widespread conflict seen in some neighboring nations.

Yet, this period of relative calm has also been marred by criticism. Human rights organizations and opposition parties accuse Biya’s administration of presiding over a regime riddled with corruption, lack of transparency, suppression of dissent, and democratic regression. The most pressing issue facing the country remains the Anglophone crisis—a separatist conflict that has uprooted thousands, destroyed livelihoods, and paralyzed parts of the Northwest and Southwest regions.

Mixed Reactions from the Public

His announcement to seek the eighth term of office has brought about a mixed reaction from the public. Members of the ruling Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM) maintain that Biya remains the best candidate to lead the nation.

“He is a visionary leader with unmatched experience,” one party supporter stated. “He has steered us through turbulent times.

But outside CPDM ranks, frustration is growing—especially among the country’s youth. Over 70% of Cameroonians are under the age of 30, and many say they feel alienated from political processes and economic opportunity.

Julius, a mobile phone technician in Buea, dropped out of school due to financial constraints. “Even university graduates are jobless,” he said. “There are no factories or companies employing people. We have talent and ideas, but no platform or support.”

Opposition Struggles to Unite

The leading opposition figure, Maurice Kamto of the Cameroon Renaissance Movement (CRM), continues to face restrictions. In June, his return from France was met with heavy police presence, and he was reportedly blocked from attending a scheduled rally.

“We were peaceful and followed all rules,” said a CRM supporter. “But the roads were blocked. Even on foot, security forces refused us passage.”

Observers argue that a fragmented opposition weakens the chances of unseating Biya. Ten presidential hopefuls have so far declared their intentions to run. Human rights advocate and political commentator Barrister Felix Agbor Nkongho, also known as Abubakar Bala, stressed that unless the opposition unites behind a common candidate, Biya’s victory is nearly guaranteed.

“The ruling party thrives on division within the opposition,” Bala explained in an interview. “There’s a possibility that candidates will submit their paperwork now, and then decide collectively who should carry the flag later. But unless they form serious coalitions, we may see a repeat of 2018.”

Concerns Over Succession and Stability

Many Cameroonians worry that re-electing an aging president may create a power vacuum should he become incapacitated during his term. Though the constitution outlines procedures for such an eventuality, skeptics point to the country’s overreliance on Biya’s persona and weak institutional frameworks.

“At 93, you don’t plan for the future—you reflect on the past,” Bala remarked. “It’s not about ageism. It’s about capability. If an individual is no longer physically or mentally able to steer the ship, then the country suffers.”

He drew comparisons to other global leaders, pointing to recent concerns in the United States over President Biden’s fitness for office. “Just like the U.S. debated who was really running the country, we should ask ourselves if President Biya is actively managing affairs or if others are ruling in his name.”

Youth Outcry and Brain Drain

For the younger generation, the political stalemate is more than just a generational issue—it’s a question of national survival. Youth activist Lena Fabrice, head of a grassroots movement, voiced strong opposition to another Biya presidency.

“It would be catastrophic,” she said. “Young people are already fleeing the country in droves because they see no future here. The current administration has had decades, yet basic infrastructure like roads, water, and electricity remain unreliable.”

She warns that another term could be the final straw for many disillusioned Cameroonians. “The youth are tired. We are educated, energetic, and ready to lead. But we’re constantly sidelined.”

The Question of Legacy

Critics argue that Biya’s extended stay in power reflects a broader issue in many African states—leaders who cling to power at the expense of democratic growth. They accuse the regime of fostering a personality cult rather than nurturing strong institutions that can withstand political change.

“If a country collapses because one man is no longer in charge, then it was never strong to begin with,” Bala said. “True leadership means grooming the next generation, not suffocating it.”

Still, Biya’s core supporters believe he remains the symbol of unity and strength. With state machinery firmly in his control, including the judiciary, security forces, and electoral commission, many see his re-election as likely—if not inevitable.

Looking Ahead

With the deadline for candidacy submissions set for July 21, the political atmosphere in Cameroon is heating up. As the nation edges closer to a potentially pivotal election, civil society leaders, advocacy groups, and opposition figures continue to call for free and fair polls.

“I'm not running for office," Bala reaffirmed. "My main goals are to empower civil society and get young people to cast ballots. The first step in Cameroon's desire for a fresh start is civic engagement. It remains to be seen if Biya's eighth term turns out to be a turning moment or a reality. But there's no denying that this election has the power to shape the legacy of one of Africa's longest-reigning leaders and to shape the future of a country desperate for reform.”

Sources:

DW News Africa 

Cameroon National Election Commission (ELECAM) reports

Statements from CRM and CPDM political offices

Interviews with Cameroonian civil society leaders