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Biya, Paul

Cameroon's President Paul Biya Announces Eighth Term Bid, Amid Concerns Over Multiparty Democracy and Governance

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

As Cameroon's 92-year-old President Paul Biya declares his candidacy for an eighth term in the October 2025 presidential election, concerns over the country's multiparty democracy and governance have been raised. Despite his advanced age, Biya remains the world's oldest sitting head of state, having been in power since 1982. His decision to run again has sparked widespread discussion, particularly given the country's history of restricted civil liberties, press freedom, and electoral manipulation.

Key Takeaways:

  • President Paul Biya has announced his candidacy for an eighth term in the 2025 presidential election, at the age of 92, making him the world's oldest sitting head of state.
  • Biya has been in power since 1982 and has previously served as prime minister from 1975.
  • Cameroon is officially a multiparty democracy, but opposition parties, civil society, and press freedom face severe restrictions.
  • Half of the country's 30 million population is under 19 years old, and around 40 per cent of Cameroonians live in poverty.
  • Biya and his wife spend much of their time in Switzerland, and there have been concerns raised over his health, with speculation officially banned in Cameroon last year.
  • Cameroon has a history of restricted civil liberties, press freedom, and electoral manipulation, with opposition parties accusing the government of manipulating past elections.
  • The country's violent conflict between French- and English-speaking regions has left at least 6,500 dead and displaced about 600,000 people since 2017.

Statistics:

  • 92 - the age of President Paul Biya, making him the world's oldest sitting head of state.
  • 30 million - the population of Cameroon.
  • 19 - the average age of half of the country's population.
  • 40 percent - the estimated proportion of Cameroonians living in poverty.
  • 1,500 - the estimated number of people killed in the conflict between French- and English-speaking regions since 2017.
  • 600,000 - the estimated number of people displaced due to the conflict since 2017.

Sources:

  • Bernama (official news agency)
  • dpa (German Press Agency)
  • Official sources (no specific date mentioned)

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