President Paul Biya of Cameroon has announced he will run for re-election in October, aiming to extend his grip on power well into his late 90s.
Biya, 92, is already the world’s oldest sitting head of state. He has ruled the Central African country since 1982 and now seeks an eighth term in office.
In a statement posted Sunday on X (formerly Twitter), Biya said he was responding to “numerous and insistent” calls from citizens across the country and abroad to continue leading.
“Rest assured that my determination to serve you matches the urgency of the challenges we face,” he wrote.
While the announcement surprised few, it made official what had long been expected. Supporters of the ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM) had already been rallying for his candidacy since last year.
Still, Biya’s decision comes amid mounting pressure — both inside and outside the country — for him to step down and allow younger leadership to take over.
Over the past year, long-time allies in Cameroon’s north have walked away from his camp. Two senior figures, former Prime Minister Bello Bouba Maigari and minister Issa Tchiroma Bakary, recently left the ruling coalition and declared their own presidential bids.
Last month, Tchiroma publicly criticised the Biya administration, saying it had “broken” public trust. He has since joined a rival political party.
Opposition voices have also grown louder. Among those challenging Biya this year are Maurice Kamto, who came second in the 2018 election, as well as Joshua Osih, Akere Muna, and Cabral Libii.
Biya’s government has faced years of criticism over corruption, economic stagnation, and poor governance. Security remains a serious concern, particularly in the English-speaking regions of the country, where a separatist conflict has raged since 2017.
Doubts over the president’s health have added to the tension. He was largely absent from public view for over six weeks last year, prompting speculation about his well-being and even false rumours of his death. Despite this, the presidency has remained silent on his medical condition.
Biya abolished presidential term limits in 2008, clearing the way for his extended rule. He won the 2018 vote with over 71% a result disputed by opposition groups who cited widespread irregularities.
Should he win again, Biya would remain in power until he is nearly 100 years old, making him one of the longest-serving leaders not just in Africa, but in modern history.
For many Cameroonians, his continued hold on power feels both familiar and frustrating. While some praise him for providing stability in a volatile region, others believe the time has come for a peaceful transition.
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