Cameroonian President Paul Biya to Run for Eighth Term at Age 93

 

Cameroon’s President Paul Biya, Africa's longest-serving leader, has announced his intention to run for the presidency again in 2026, when he will be 93 years old. Currently 91, Biya has held the presidency since 1982, making him one of the world's longest-ruling leaders.

The decision, reported by TheEastAfrican and shared by Kennedy Wandera, founder of the Foreign Press Association Africa, has sparked controversy within Cameroon. The next presidential election was originally scheduled for 2025 but has been postponed to 2026. If Biya wins and serves another full seven-year term, he will be 100 years old by the end of his tenure in 2032.

Biya’s decision to delay the election and seek another term has provoked significant backlash from opposition parties, who argue that the electoral process is being manipulated to secure his continued rule. Reports indicate that opposition candidates may face restrictions, potentially clearing the path for Biya to secure another victory.

In addition to the presidential election, Biya has also postponed parliamentary and municipal elections until 2026, citing a crowded political calendar as the reason for the delay. Last month, Cameroon's parliament approved Biya's request for the postponement, further extending his influence over the country’s political landscape.

Biya’s long tenure has seen him serve as both Prime Minister and President, with his leadership spanning more than four decades. His continued hold on power raises questions about the future of democracy in Cameroon, as well as the challenges faced by opposition parties in contesting the upcoming elections.