July 14, 2025

Cameroon’s President Paul Biya, aged 92 and the world’s oldest serving head of state, has officially announced his candidacy for re-election in the upcoming presidential election scheduled for October 12.

The announcement was made in a post on the president’s verified X account on Sunday.

“I am a candidate in the presidential election. Rest assured that my determination to serve you matches the urgency of the challenges we face,” the post stated.

This announcement reinforces the sit tight mentality of the president.

Biya has been in power since 1982, following the resignation of his predecessor Ahmadou Ahidjo, and is seeking another term that could keep him in office until nearly 100 years old.

His health has been a subject of speculation, especially after a 42-day absence from public view last year, which the government addressed by banning public discussion of his health, citing national security concerns.

This re-election bid had been widely expected but was only formally confirmed through social media.

The ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM) and supporters have encouraged Biya to run again, but opposition parties and civil society groups criticize his lengthy tenure for hindering economic progress and democratic development.

Two former allies have left the ruling coalition and plan to run independently.

Biya’s decision to scrap presidential term limits in 2008 paved the way for indefinite rule.

Analysts believe that the country, which has had only two presidents since independence in the early 1960s, could face a complex succession crisis if Biya becomes too ill or dies in office.

Several opposition candidates have declared their intention to run, including 2018 runner-up Maurice Kamto of the Cameroon Renaissance Movement, Joshua Osih of the Social Democratic Front, lawyer Akere Muna, and Cabral Libii of the Cameroon Party for National Reconciliation.