World's oldest serving president announces bid for eighth term in Cameroon



Cameroon's President Paul Biya, the world's oldest serving head of state at 92, has confirmed he will run for re-election in the country's October 12 presidential election.


Biya, who first assumed office in 1982 following the resignation of his predecessor Ahmadou Ahidjo, has now ruled for over four decades.
His decision to seek an eighth term was announced in a post on his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Sunday.
"Rest assured that my determination to serve you matches the urgency of the challenges we face," he said.
President Paul Biya said his decision to seek an eighth term followed "numerous and insistent" calls from citizens across Cameroon and the diaspora.
While his supporters often credit him with maintaining stability, critics argue that his decades-long rule has stifled economic growth, democratic freedoms, and good governance.
His administration has frequently come under fire for corruption, mismanagement, and a failure to effectively address the country's growing security threats.
Concerns over Biya's health have also persisted, especially after he vanished from public view for 42 days last year, sparking widespread speculation about his fitness to lead.
Upon his return in October, the government denied any health issues and declared his well-being a matter of national security, banning public discussion on the topic.
Despite concerns over his fitness to govern, Biya continues to wield power largely behind closed doors, with many day-to-day responsibilities handled by his chief of staff. In 2008, he scrapped constitutional term limits, allowing him to run for office indefinitely. He won the 2018 election with over 71% of the vote, though opposition parties alleged widespread electoral fraud.
Sunday's announcement is expected to reignite debate both within Cameroon and internationally about the future of leadership in the Central African nation.
Opposition
In addition to President Paul Biya's bid for re-election, several prominent opposition figures have thrown their hats into the ring for Cameroon's October 2025 vote.
These include 2018 runner-up Maurice Kamto of the Cameroon Renaissance Movement (CRM), Social Democratic Front (SDF) leader Joshua Osih, lawyer and anti-corruption advocate Akere Muna, and Cabral Libii of the Cameroon Party for National Reconciliation (PCRN).