At 92, Cameroon’s President Paul Biya, the world’s oldest serving head of state, has declared his candidacy for an eighth term, aiming to extend his 43-year presidency. The announcement, made on July 13, 2025, via a post on his official X account, read: “I am a candidate in the presidential election. Rest assured that my determination to serve you matches the urgency of the challenges we face.” Biya’s enduring leadership, which began in 1982, is a remarkable and polarizing chapter in Cameroon’s history, marked by a calculated rise to power, strategic political maneuvers, significant achievements, and persistent controversies.
Journey to Power
Paul Biya’s ascent to the presidency was a product of careful navigation through Cameroon’s post-independence political landscape. Born on February 13, 1933, in the southern village of Mvomeka’a, Biya pursued higher education in France, earning degrees in law and political science at prestigious institutions like the University of Paris and the Institut d’Études Politiques. Returning to Cameroon in the early 1960s, he joined the civil service under President Ahmadou Ahidjo, the country’s first post-independence leader.
Biya’s early career saw him rise steadily through key administrative roles. By 1967, he was Director of the Cabinet in the Ministry of National Education, and in 1970, he became Minister of State and Secretary-General at the Presidency. His loyalty and competence earned him the trust of Ahidjo, who appointed him Prime Minister in 1975. When Ahidjo unexpectedly resigned in 1982, citing health reasons, Biya, as constitutional successor, assumed the presidency on November 6, 1982. However, tensions with Ahidjo surfaced soon after, as the former president sought to retain influence. Biya consolidated power by sidelining Ahidjo’s allies, surviving a 1984 coup attempt, and establishing himself as Cameroon’s unchallenged leader.
Staying in Power
Biya’s 43-year tenure is a testament to his political acumen and strategic governance. Several factors have contributed to his longevity:
- Constitutional Changes: In 2008, Biya orchestrated a constitutional amendment to remove presidential term limits, allowing him to run indefinitely. This move, approved by a parliament dominated by his Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM), sparked protests but secured his eligibility for repeated re-elections.
- Party Dominance: The CPDM’s extensive control over Cameroon’s political system, bolstered by patronage networks, has ensured Biya’s electoral victories. Elections, held every seven years, have consistently favored him, though opposition groups and international observers have often criticized them as neither free nor fair.
- Security and Alliances: Biya has maintained loyalty within the military and security forces, partly through strategic appointments of trusted allies from his Beti ethnic group. This has helped him thwart challenges, including the 1984 coup attempt.
- Limited Public Engagement: Biya’s reclusive leadership style, characterized by infrequent public appearances and delegation to a powerful chief of staff, has shielded him from direct scrutiny while maintaining an aura of authority. His prolonged absences, such as a 42-day period in 2024, have fueled speculation but have not disrupted his grip on power.
Achievements
Biya’s presidency has overseen notable developments in Cameroon, though their impact is debated:
- Infrastructure Development: Under Biya, Cameroon has seen investments in roads, ports, and energy projects, including the Lom Pangar Dam, which has boosted electricity supply. Urban centers like Yaoundé and Douala have expanded, reflecting economic growth in certain sectors.
- Education and Health: Biya’s government has expanded access to education, with increased school enrollment rates and the establishment of new universities. Health initiatives, such as campaigns against HIV/AIDS, have also been prioritized, though challenges like inadequate healthcare infrastructure persist.
- Regional Stability: Cameroon has remained relatively stable compared to some neighbors, partly due to Biya’s diplomatic relations with Western powers and regional bodies like the African Union. His government’s cooperation in counterterrorism efforts, particularly against Boko Haram in the Far North, has earned international support.
- Economic Diversification: Efforts to diversify Cameroon’s economy, historically reliant on agriculture and oil, have included promoting tourism and agribusiness, though progress has been slow.
Controversies
Biya’s long rule has been marred by significant controversies that have drawn domestic and international criticism:
- Democratic Backsliding: Critics argue that Biya’s removal of term limits and the CPDM’s dominance have stifled democracy. Elections, including those in 1992, 2004, and 2018, have been criticized for irregularities, voter suppression, and intimidation of opposition candidates like Maurice Kamto.
- Anglophone Crisis: Since 2016, separatist unrest in Cameroon’s English-speaking Northwest and Southwest regions has escalated into a violent conflict, with thousands killed and over 700,000 displaced. Biya’s government has been accused of heavy-handed military responses and failing to address anglophone grievances over marginalization.
- Economic Challenges: Despite some progress, Cameroon faces high poverty rates, with over 40% of the population living below the poverty line. Corruption scandals, including those involving state-owned enterprises, have tarnished Biya’s administration, with Transparency International ranking Cameroon 153rd out of 180 countries in its 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index.
- Health and Absence: Biya’s health has been a persistent concern, particularly after his 42-day absence in 2024, which prompted rumors of illness or even death. The government’s decision to ban discussion of his health, citing national security, has fueled perceptions of secrecy and unaccountability.
- Human Rights Concerns: Human rights organizations have documented abuses under Biya’s regime, including arbitrary arrests, press censorship, and restrictions on freedom of assembly. The 2020 killing of civilians in Ngarbuh by security forces drew global condemnation.
Current Context and Outlook
Biya’s announcement to seek re-election, made through his verified X account after a series of posts signaling his intent, has reignited debates about his fitness to lead. At 92, his limited public engagements and reliance on aides raise questions about his capacity to address Cameroon’s pressing challenges, including the anglophone crisis, Boko Haram insurgency, and economic stagnation. If elected, Biya could remain in office until nearly 100, a prospect that divides opinion in a country yearning for both stability and change.
The 2025 election will likely see opposition from figures like Kamto, though the CPDM’s entrenched power makes Biya’s victory probable. As Cameroon navigates economic uncertainty and security threats, Biya’s eighth-term bid underscores his enduring influence—and the enduring controversies that define his 43-year rule.
