In a move that has drawn both concern and admiration, Cameroon’s President Paul Biya, now 92 years old, has secured an eighth term in office. As the world’s oldest sitting head of state, Biya is poised to extend his rule from 43 to an unprecedented 50 years as the next elections will only be held in 2032 when he will be 99 years old. His continued leadership raises pressing questions about political longevity, democratic processes, and the future of Cameroon.
"Yet another election"
In a highly contested election, Paul Biya, the 92-year-old president of Cameroon, has been declared the winner, marking another term in office. The October 12, 2025, presidential election saw Biya secure 53.66% of the vote, while his main challenger, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, garnered 35.19%. This victory extends Biya's rule, which began in 1982, further solidifying his position as one of the longest-serving leaders in Africa.
The election was marred by allegations of electoral fraud, with opposition parties and civil society groups denouncing the outcome as unfair. Tchiroma, who declared himself the winner despite official results not being released, has vowed to continue fighting for what he believes is his rightful victory. His supporters took to the streets, clashing with security forces and blocking roads in several cities, including the commercial capital, Douala.
The aftermath of the election saw violent protests and repression by security forces, resulting in at least 23 deaths according to a civil society group.
Biya's presidency has been characterized by authoritarian tendencies, with the ruling Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM) dominating the country's politics. The opposition has accused Biya of using state institutions to cling to power, and the recent election has done little to alleviate these concerns.
The international community has been cautious in its response, with some governments expressing concern over the election's legitimacy. The European Union has urged "restraint" following violent clashes, while the Cameroonian government has maintained that the election was fair with the Minister of Territorial Administration, Paul Atanga Nji urging the population to move on from the election.
This election has also highlighted the country's deep-seated divisions, particularly between the Francophone and Anglophone regions. The Anglophone regions, which have been embroiled in a separatist conflict since 2017, have been particularly critical of Biya's rule. The election results showed Biya winning a significant majority in these regions, a outcome that has been disputed by opposition parties.
As Biya begins another term in office, Cameroonians face an uncertain future. The country's economic and security challenges, exacerbated by the ongoing conflict in the Anglophone regions and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, require strong and effective leadership. Whether Biya's government can deliver on these challenges remains to be seen. He is hardly involved in the governing of his own country with allegations of extended stays at the Intercontinental Hotel in Geneva and the Prime Minister suspected of taking key decisions leaving a cloud of uncertainty over the goals of his administration and lack of political vision.
In my previous blog post, "Opinion: Paul Biya is still Cameroon's President but for how much longer," I discussed the challenges facing Biya's rule and the potential for democratic reforms in the country. You can read it here (Link).
As I concluded then, the question remains whether Biya's government will implement meaningful reforms to address the country's pressing issues or continue down a path of authoritarianism. One thing is certain: Cameroon's future hangs in the balance as Biya's rule enters a likely final phase.
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