The political landscape in Cameroon is once again under global scrutiny as President Paul Biya, the world’s oldest head of state, approaches his 92nd birthday amid speculation about his bid for another term in the October election. Having ruled the country for over four decades, Biya’s potential re-election bid raises critical questions about governance, democratic processes, and the future of one of Central Africa’s most politically entrenched regimes.
Despite his advanced age and frequent absences from public view, Biya has not confirmed whether he will run again. However, political analysts, opposition leaders, and government insiders widely believe that he is preparing for another term. His prolonged silence on the matter has fueled intense debates, with some viewing it as a calculated strategy to maintain control over Cameroon’s political scene.
In the last election held in 2018, Biya faced widespread allegations of electoral fraud, suppression of opposition voices, and harsh crackdowns on dissent. His main opponent, Maurice Kamto, was arrested after disputing the results, and protests against Biya’s rule were met with mass detentions and state repression. Critics argue that his administration has systematically weakened democratic institutions, allowing him to tighten his grip on power and neutralize political rivals.
Cameroon’s ruling party, the Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM), remains loyal to Biya, with many high-ranking officials and regional leaders advocating for his continued leadership. Government spokesman Rene Emmanuel Sadi recently stated that Biya would announce his decision “at the appropriate time,” further fueling speculation that he intends to extend his rule. Supporters argue that Biya provides stability in a country facing multiple security threats, including Boko Haram insurgencies in the north and separatist conflicts in the English-speaking regions.
However, opposition figures and civil society groups paint a different picture. They highlight widespread corruption, high unemployment rates, and economic stagnation as evidence that Biya’s long tenure has failed to improve the lives of ordinary Cameroonians. The ongoing Anglophone crisis, which has led to violent clashes between separatist fighters and government forces, continues to destabilize the country. Reports from human rights organizations detail arbitrary arrests, forced disappearances, and extrajudicial killings linked to government security forces, raising concerns about the rule of law under Biya’s administration.
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference in Cameroon recently issued a statement expressing deep concern over the rising discontent among citizens. According to the bishops, frustration over economic hardships, political suppression, and lack of transparency in governance is reaching dangerous levels. They urged the government to engage in meaningful dialogue to prevent further escalation of tensions.
Despite these warnings, Biya’s supporters remain vocal in their calls for his re-election. Traditional rulers, political allies, and influential business figures continue to rally behind him, arguing that his leadership has ensured national unity and development. Social media campaigns have also emerged, with pro-Biya factions promoting his legacy and urging him to seek another term.
In his most recent public address, Biya dismissed claims that Cameroon was in crisis, instead praising the country’s progress under his leadership. He urged young people to remain loyal to the state and warned against what he called “foreign interference” in domestic affairs. His government, however, remains largely unchanged since 2019, with key ministerial and parliamentary seats still unfilled after the deaths of several officials.
As Cameroon approaches its next election cycle, the question remains whether Biya will formally declare his candidacy or maintain his long-standing tactic of withholding confirmation until the last moment. Regardless of his official announcement, the political machinery supporting his rule suggests that his grip on power is unlikely to loosen anytime soon.
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