President Paul Biya of Cameroon, one of the world’s oldest and longest-serving leaders, has confirmed his intention to run for an eighth term in the 2025 Presidential Election.
At 91 years old, Biya’s announcement has sparked widespread debate and concern both within Cameroon and internationally, with many questioning the future of the Central African nation under his continued rule.
Paul Biya has held the presidency since 1982, making him Africa’s longest-serving president. Before assuming the highest office in the land, Biya served as Prime Minister from 1975 to 1982 under then-President Ahmadou Ahidjo.
His nearly half-century in power has been marked by a blend of political stability and growing discontent among various segments of the population.
In July 2023, Biya made a controversial move by postponing the country’s Parliamentary and Municipal elections until 2026, citing security concerns in the Anglophone regions.
This area has been embroiled in a separatist conflict since 2016, stemming from perceived marginalization by the Francophone-dominated government.
The conflict, which began as peaceful protests, has since escalated into an armed insurgency, with separatist groups in the North West and South West regions demanding independence.
Biya’s decision to delay the elections and his intent to contest again in 2025 has ignited anger among the opposition.
Many believe this is a strategic move to further consolidate power, especially given the government’s history of suppressing opposition parties and restricting press freedom.
The announcement of Biya’s candidacy has been met with criticism from opposition parties and civil society groups, who argue that Cameroon desperately needs fresh leadership.
“Cameroon is at a crossroads,” said Tamfu Richard, a human rights lawyer and member of the Cameroon Party for National Reconciliation (CPNR).
“The current leader is of age and has been there for 42 years. It is in the interest of Cameroonians to have a different face, somebody who is young at the helm.”
The opposition fears that Biya’s continued rule will only deepen the nation’s existing problems. Voter registration numbers reflect this concern, with less than 50% of eligible voters having registered for the upcoming election.
Cameroon’s political landscape is deeply fractured. The Anglophone crisis in the North West and South West regions has left thousands dead and displaced many more.
The government’s heavy-handed response to the separatist movement has drawn international condemnation, with human rights organizations accusing Biya’s administration of committing atrocities against civilians.
The postponement of elections has only exacerbated tensions in these regions. Many see it as an attempt to avoid electoral scrutiny in areas where Biya’s support is weakest.
The government, however, maintains that the delay is necessary to ensure security and stability before voters head to the polls.
Despite these assurances, the opposition is preparing for a contentious election cycle. They have ramped up efforts to encourage voter registration, particularly among the youth, who make up a significant portion of the population.
The Cameroon Renaissance Movement (MRC), led by Maurice Kamto, has been at the forefront of these efforts, urging citizens to register and prepare to protest if the elections are rigged.
Kamto, who was Biya’s main challenger in the 2018 elections, claims that the vote was stolen from him through widespread fraud.
He was subsequently arrested and jailed for several months on charges of rebellion and insurrection, further fueling accusations of an authoritarian crackdown on dissent.
