CAMEROON’S 92-YEAR OLD PRESIDENT PAUL BIYA TO SEEK EIGHTH TERM

Cameroon’s President Paul Biya, the world’s oldest serving head of state at 92, has announced his candidacy for an eighth term in the upcoming presidential election set for October 12. The announcement was made on Sunday via a post in French and English on his official X account, where he declared he is a candidate in the presidential elections. Biya, in power since 1982, is aiming for another seven-year term that could extend his rule into his late 90s. His re-election bid had been widely expected but was officially confirmed this week.

Health concern have loomed large, especially after his 42-day disappearance from public view last year, though the government has dismissed such speculations and restricted public discussion on the matter. Supporters from the ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM) had long urged him to run again. However, opposition figures and civil society groups argue that his extended rule has hindered democratic and economic progress. Biya removed term limits in 2008, allowing him to run indefinitely.

 He won the 2018 election with over 71% of the vote, a result widely disputed by the opposition. Several opposition candidates have already announced their bids including Maurice Kamto, Joshua Osih, Akere Muna, and Cabral Linii, all calling for electoral reforms and a peaceful transition of power. Meanwhile, Cameroon continues to grapple with security threats from Boko Haram in the north and separatist unrest in its Anglophone regions.