Latest news with #Nkongho
Morocco World
a day ago
- Politics
- Morocco World
Africa's Longest-Serving President Paul Biya to Stand in Cameroonian Election
Rabat – The President of Cameroon Paul Biya has confirmed on social media that he will stand as a candidate in the 2025 election. At 92, Paul Biya is the oldest world leader and longest-serving head of state. 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
The Hindu
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Cameroon's 92-year-old President Biya seeks eighth term amid health rumors and political challenges
Cameroon's 92-year-old President announced on Monday (July 14, 2025) he will seek his eighth term in the upcoming October elections. The announcement comes after months of speculation that the aging leader would not run, setting the stage for an electoral showdown. Paul Biya, Africa's second longest serving President after Teodoro Obiang of Equatorial Guinea, is frequently sick and abroad. Last year, talk spread that he had died, prompting the government to publicly deny the rumors. Cameroon's second President since independence from France in 1960, Mr. Biya has been in power since 1982. Promising that the best is yet to come in his post on social media, Mr. Biya reiterated his determination to rule, saying, 'Rest assured that my determination to serve you is commensurate with the serious challenges facing us." The more than 40 years of Mr. Biya's rule have left a lasting impact. His government has faced various challenges, including allegations of corruption and a secessionist movement in Cameroon's English-speaking provinces that has forced thousands out of school and triggered deadly clashes with security forces. '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 is renewal — not repetition. Cameroonians deserve democratic change and accountable leadership,' Nkongho Felix Agbor, a human rights advocate and lawyer told The Associated Press. Cameroon has also had to deal with spillover violence by the Islamic extremist Boko Haram group, based in neighboring Nigeria. Recently, several of Mr. Biya's longtime allies defected to announce their own candidacies for President. He cruised to victory in 2018 with over 70% of the vote in an election marred by irregularities and low turnout due to ongoing separatist and jihadi violence. In a region threatened with shrinking democratic space, several other African countries also have presidents accused of using state mechanisms to prolong their stay in power. Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni recently sought nomination for a seventh term, a move that would bring him closer to five decades in power in the East African country.
Hamilton Spectator
2 days ago
- Politics
- Hamilton Spectator
Cameroon's 92-year-old president seeks 8th term amid health rumors and political challenges
YAOUNDE, Cameroon (AP) — Cameroon's 92-year-old president announced Sunday he will seek his eighth term in the upcoming October elections. The announcement comes after months of speculation that the aging leader would not run, setting the stage for an electoral showdown. Paul Biya, Africa's second longest serving president after Teodoro Obiang of Equatorial Guinea, is frequently sick and abroad. Last year, talk spread that he had died, prompting the government to publicly deny the rumors . Cameroon's second president since independence from France in 1960, Biya has been in power since 1982. Promising that the best is yet to come in his post on social media, Biya reiterated his determination to rule, saying, 'Rest assured that my determination to serve you is commensurate with the serious challenges facing us.' The more than 40 years of Biya's rule have left a lasting impact. His government has faced various challenges, including allegations of corruption and a secessionist movement in Cameroon's English-speaking provinces that has forced thousands out of school and triggered deadly clashes with security forces. '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 is renewal — not repetition. Cameroonians deserve democratic change and accountable leadership,' Nkongho Felix Agbor, a human rights advocate and lawyer told The Associated Press. Cameroon has also had to deal with spillover violence by the Islamic extremist Boko Haram group, based in neighboring Nigeria. Recently, several of Biya's longtime allies defected to announce their own candidacies for president. He cruised to victory in 2018 with over 70% of the vote in an election marred by irregularities and low turnout due to ongoing separatist and jihadi violence. In a region threatened with shrinking democratic space , several other African countries also have presidents accused of using state mechanisms to prolong their stay in power. Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni recently sought nomination for a seventh term, a move that would bring him closer to five decades in power in the East African country . Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
San Francisco Chronicle
2 days ago
- Politics
- San Francisco Chronicle
Cameroon's 92-year-old president seeks 8th term amid health rumors and political challenges
YAOUNDE, Cameroon (AP) — Cameroon's 92-year-old president announced Sunday he will seek his eighth term in the upcoming October elections. The announcement comes after months of speculation that the aging leader would not run, setting the stage for an electoral showdown. Paul Biya, Africa's second longest serving president after Teodoro Obiang of Equatorial Guinea, is frequently sick and abroad. Last year, talk spread that he had died, prompting the government to publicly deny the rumors. Cameroon's second president since independence from France in 1960, Biya has been in power since 1982. Promising that the best is yet to come in his post on social media, Biya reiterated his determination to rule, saying, 'Rest assured that my determination to serve you is commensurate with the serious challenges facing us." The more than 40 years of Biya's rule have left a lasting impact. His government has faced various challenges, including allegations of corruption and a secessionist movement in Cameroon's English-speaking provinces that has forced thousands out of school and triggered deadly clashes with security forces. '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 is renewal — not repetition. Cameroonians deserve democratic change and accountable leadership,' Nkongho Felix Agbor, a human rights advocate and lawyer told The Associated Press. Cameroon has also had to deal with spillover violence by the Islamic extremist Boko Haram group, based in neighboring Nigeria. He cruised to victory in 2018 with over 70% of the vote in an election marred by irregularities and low turnout due to ongoing separatist and jihadi violence. In a region threatened with shrinking democratic space, several other African countries also have presidents accused of using state mechanisms to prolong their stay in power. Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni recently sought nomination for a seventh term, a move that would bring him closer to five decades in power in the East African country.
2 days ago
- Politics
Cameroon's 92-year-old president seeks 8th term amid health rumors and political challenges
YAOUNDE, Cameroon -- YAOUNDE, Cameroon (AP) — Cameroon's 92-year-old president announced Monday he will seek his eighth term in the upcoming October elections. The announcement comes after months of speculation that the aging leader would not run, setting the stage for an electoral showdown. Paul Biya, Africa's second longest serving president after Teodoro Obiang of Equatorial Guinea, is frequently sick and abroad. Last year, talk spread that he had died, prompting the government to publicly deny the rumors. Cameroon's second president since independence from France in 1960, Biya has been in power since 1982. Promising that the best is yet to come in his post on social media, Biya reiterated his determination to rule, saying, 'Rest assured that my determination to serve you is commensurate with the serious challenges facing us." The more than 40 years of Biya's rule have left a lasting impact. His government has faced various challenges, including allegations of corruption and a secessionist movement in Cameroon's English-speaking provinces that has forced thousands out of school and triggered deadly clashes with security forces. '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 is renewal — not repetition. Cameroonians deserve democratic change and accountable leadership,' Nkongho Felix Agbor, a human rights advocate and lawyer told The Associated Press. Cameroon has also had to deal with spillover violence by the Islamic extremist Boko Haram group, based in neighboring Nigeria. He cruised to victory in 2018 with over 70% of the vote in an election marred by irregularities and low turnout due to ongoing separatist and jihadi violence. In a region threatened with shrinking democratic space, several other African countries also have presidents accused of using state mechanisms to prolong their stay in power. Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni recently sought nomination for a seventh term, a move that would bring him closer to five decades in power in the East African country.
