Cameroon's President Biya Faces Election Challenge from Former Allies

Strategic Insights -

Cameroon's President Paul Biya, in power since 1982, is likely to face a challenge in the upcoming October election from two of his closest allies, Bello Bouba Maigari and Issa Tchiroma Bakary, who have resigned from his government and announced their candidacy. The election could mark a turning point for a country that has only seen two presidents, one from the Christian south and one from the Muslim north. Biya's prolonged stay in power has had a lasting impact, with ongoing separatist violence in the English-speaking regions forcing many students out of school and his government accused of corruption.

Key Takeaways:

  • Bello Bouba Maigari and Issa Tchiroma Bakary have resigned from President Biya's government and announced their candidacy for the upcoming October election.
  • President Biya, 92, has been in power since 1982, nearly half his lifetime, making him Cameroon's second president since independence from France in 1960.
  • The election could mark a turning point for Cameroon, which has only seen two presidents, one from the Christian south and one from the Muslim north.
  • Supporters of Maigari and Bakary claim they will represent a new era of politics and question Biya's ability to govern.
  • The over 40 years of Biya's stay in power have left a lasting impact in the country, with ongoing separatist violence and extremist violence forcing many students out of school and his government accused of corruption.
  • Biya's decision to run for another term has been hinted, but not formally announced, and he has been frequently sick and abroad in recent years.

Statistics:

  • President Biya has been in power since 1982, making him the world's oldest and Africa's second longest-serving president.
  • He has won over 70% of the vote in an earlier election, but the current election could be different with the challenges from two of his closest allies.
  • The upcoming election could be a turning point for Cameroon, which has only seen two presidents in its history.
  • President Biya would be 99 by the time he completes a new term, if he wins the election and serves out the full term.

Sources:

  • Associated Press, YAOUNDE, Cameroon (AP) —
  • The Associated Press. 2025. (No date specified in original article)