On August 25, 2025, Cameroon’s Constitutional Court rejected a challenge to President Paul Biya’s candidacy, paving the way for the 92-year-old leader to seek an eighth term in the upcoming October 12 presidential election. As one of the world’s oldest and longest-serving heads of state, Biya’s nearly 43-year tenure since 1982 continues to shape Cameroon’s political landscape. The decision has reignited debates about governance, health, and entrenched power structures in Cameroon, set against a backdrop of separatist conflict, economic challenges, and restricted press freedom.
A Court Victory Amid Controversy
The legal challenge, led by Akere Muna of the Universe Party, argued that Biya’s advanced age and limited public appearances raised questions about his fitness to govern. Muna, a prominent lawyer and anti-corruption advocate, accepted the court’s ruling but criticized Biya’s leadership, stating, “He reigns but does not govern,” pointing to the president’s reliance on his inner circle, including his wife, Chantal Biya, for state duties. Despite these concerns, the court’s decision ensures Biya’s place among 13 candidates cleared to run, including Bello Bouba Maigari, Joshua Osih, and Cabral Libii.
The ruling reflects the dominance of Biya’s Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM), which has controlled electoral institutions for decades. Analysts estimate Biya’s re-election probability at 60–70%, bolstered by institutional entrenchment and a fragmented opposition. Notably, Maurice Kamto, a key opposition leader, was barred from the race in early August, further tilting the field in Biya’s favor. The defection of longtime allies like Bello Bouba Maigari and Issa Tchiroma to run independently may split the opposition vote, potentially strengthening Biya’s position.
Africa’s oldest president survives court challenge, set to run for 8th term at 92
Historical Context: Biya’s Long Rule
Paul Biya assumed the presidency in 1982 following the resignation of Ahmadou Ahidjo, Cameroon’s first post-independence leader. Since then, Biya has consolidated power through constitutional changes, including removing term limits in 2008, enabling his extended rule. His presidency has been marked by centralized governance, with critics arguing that it prioritizes loyalty over merit and stifles dissent through media censorship and repression of journalists.
Cameroon’s 2025 election unfolds amid significant challenges. The Anglophone crisis, a separatist conflict in the Northwest and Southwest regions since 2016, has killed thousands and displaced over 700,000. In the north, Boko Haram’s insurgency continues to destabilize communities. Economic stagnation and widespread poverty fuel youth disillusionment, with 70% of Cameroon’s population under 30 seeking greater opportunities and accountability.
A Broader African Trend
Biya’s candidacy mirrors a pattern of prolonged leadership across Africa, where aging leaders maintain power through entrenched systems. Zimbabwe’s Robert Mugabe ruled until 93, ousted in 2017, while Algeria’s Abdelaziz Bouteflika governed post-stroke until 2019 protests forced his resignation. Gabon’s Omar Bongo led for 42 years until his death, followed by his son Ali, who was removed in a 2023 coup. Equatorial Guinea’s Teodoro Obiang, in his 80s, remains the world’s longest-serving president. These cases highlight how institutional frameworks often shield leaders despite health concerns or public discontent.
In Cameroon, Biya’s limited public appearances—often spending months abroad in Switzerland—have fueled speculation about his health and succession plans. Critics argue that the 2025 election is less about Biya’s personal fitness and more about the entrenched political machinery that sustains his rule.
Looking Ahead to October 2025
As Cameroon approaches the October 12 election, the political landscape remains polarized. The CPDM’s dominance, coupled with restrictions on press freedom and opposition campaigns, poses challenges for a competitive race. The ongoing separatist conflict and Boko Haram violence add further complexity, with many Cameroonians yearning for stability and economic progress.
Biya’s pursuit of an eighth term at 92 underscores the resilience of Cameroon’s political system, but it also raises critical questions about governance, democratic renewal, and the future of a nation grappling with internal strife. As voters prepare to cast their ballots, the world watches whether Cameroon will continue under Biya’s leadership or see a shift toward new voices and visions.
