Some Cameroonians have expressed shock and disbelief following President Paul Biya’s announcement that he will run for re-election at the age of 92.
The world’s oldest head of state has announced his intention to seek re-election in October, aiming to extend his 43-year rule.
In a post on X, President Biya declared: “Rest assured that my determination to serve you matches the urgency of the challenges we face.”
He noted that his decision to run for an unprecedented eighth term followed “numerous and insistent” calls from citizens across Cameroon and the diaspora.
Biya’s government has come under growing criticism over the years, facing allegations of corruption, mismanagement, and failure to address worsening security issues.
Concerns over his health and ability to govern have intensified, especially after his extended absence from public view last year sparked speculation and unfounded rumours of his death.
Calls for Biya to step aside and make way for new leadership have been mounting both domestically and internationally.
This election cycle also marks a political rupture with some of his longstanding northern allies, including former Prime Minister Bello Bouba Maigari and ex-minister Issa Tchiroma Bakary.
Both men have exited the ruling coalition and declared their own presidential bids. Tchiroma, once a staunch defender of Biya’s administration, recently said the government had “broken” public trust and announced his switch to a rival party.
Several opposition figures have also entered the race, including 2018 runner-up Maurice Kamto, as well as Joshua Osih, Akere Muna, and Cabral Libii.
Despite this crowded field, the ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement had long treated Biya as its de facto candidate, with many party members and supporters publicly urging him to run again.
Public reactions to Biya’s announcement have been mixed. In Yaoundé, many residents declined to speak openly on political matters, citing fears of reprisals. “Never in the political history of nations have I seen or heard that a man of that age is declaring his candidacy in a presidential election,” said one anonymous citizen.
If re-elected, Biya would continue in office until nearly 100 years old. He has never lost an election since taking power in 1982, having abolished term limits in 2008 to allow for indefinite re-election.
His most recent victory in 2018 came with over 71% of the vote, a result marred by allegations of widespread irregularities from opposition groups.
Source: Africafeeds.com
