Africa's Longest-Serving President Paul Biya to Stand in Cameroonian Election
On Sunday evening, Paul Biya made the announcement on social media 'I am a candidate for the 12 October 2025 Presidential election. Rest assured that my determination to serve you is commensurate with the serious challenges facing us.'
He is the de facto candidate for the country's dominant political party, the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement. Paul Biya will then be able to run for his eighth term in office.
If he wins the presidency, he will remain in office until he is 100 years old, as the presidential term is seven years. He assumed power after his predecessor Ahmadou Ahidjo, the country's independence leader, resigned in 1982.
There have been consistent calls from members of the CPDM Party for Paul Biya to seek another term, particularly from government ministers.
However, there has also been growing opposition and revolt against the president. Two of his key allies — Minister Issa Tchiroma Bakary and former Prime Minister Bello Bouba Maigari — defected in recent months.
Health concerns have also plagued the president with many criticizing his age and fitness for office. Biya was not seen for 42 days last year and avoided public engagement, leading to rumors about his death.
Opposition leaders have also criticized Biya for stifling economic and social development, with the country currently facing a cost-of-living crisis. He was also accused of electoral fraud in 2018.
Nkongho Felix Agbor, a human rights lawyer and activist, told the Associated Press that 'President Biya's announcement to run again is a clear sign of Cameroon's stalled political transition. After over 40 years in power, what the country needs now is renewal not repetition.'
Chances are high that Paul Biya will win the election against a divided and chaotic opposition. Political experts have raised fears that when Biya eventually loses office it will create a violent power vacuum and military conflict.
Although news is developing, one thing is clear, 2025 election is set to change little and continue Cameroon's stalled political situation. Tags: AfricaAfrica politicsCameroonelectionsPaul Biya
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