World’s oldest president to seek eighth term

Cameroon’s President Paul Biya, 92, the world’s oldest head of state, has announced he will run for re-election in October, aiming to extend his 43-year rule.

“Rest assured that my determination to serve you matches the urgency of the challenges we face,” he said in a post on X. He added that his decision to seek an eighth term followed “numerous and insistent” calls from Cameroonians at home and in the diaspora.

Biya’s administration has long faced criticism over corruption, embezzlement, poor governance, and the handling of security issues. Concerns about his health intensified last year after he disappeared from the public for over six weeks, sparking unfounded rumours about his death.

While his candidacy had been expected, it was only confirmed via social media on Sunday. Biya, who has not lost an election since taking office in 1982, could remain in power until nearly 100 if re-elected for another seven-year term.

There have been growing calls for him to step down and allow fresh leadership in the Central African nation. His recent political fallout with key northern allies, such as Issa Tchiroma Bakary and Bello Bouba Maigari—both of whom left the ruling coalition and declared their own candidacies—may pose electoral challenges.

Other opposition candidates include 2018 runner-up Maurice Kamto, as well as Joshua Osih, Akere Muna, and Cabral Libii. Despite the opposition momentum, Biya has remained the de facto candidate of the ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement.

He abolished presidential term limits in 2008, allowing him to run indefinitely. In 2018, he won re-election with over 71% of the vote amid allegations of widespread irregularities by opposition groups.

Biya’s decision to run again underscores the mounting pressure on Cameroon’s aging leadership and the need for reform in a country grappling with a fragile economy, political discontent, and youth unrest.

Credit: BBC