Paul Biya Declares Bid for Eighth Term as Cameroon’s President at 92

Cameroon’s President Paul Biya has officially announced his intention to run for an unprecedented eighth term in office, confirming widespread speculation ahead of the country’s upcoming presidential election scheduled for October 12, 2025.

Biya, who has ruled the Central African nation since 1982, made the declaration via his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Saturday, July 13, saying, “Rest assured that my determination to serve you matches the urgency of the challenges we face.”

At 92, Biya is the world’s oldest sitting president and one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders. His decision to contest again comes despite growing calls for political transition and concerns over his advanced age and long absences from public view. In 2008, he abolished presidential term limits, clearing the path for indefinite re-election.

His announcement has set the stage for a tense political contest. Several former allies have broken away to challenge him, including ex-ministers Issa Tchiroma Bakary and Bello Bouba Maigari. Prominent opposition figures such as Maurice Kamto, Cabral Libii, Joshua Osih, and Akere Muna are also expected to feature prominently in the race.

The election comes amid deep-rooted challenges, including the ongoing separatist conflict in Cameroon’s English-speaking regions, persistent threats from Boko Haram in the north, and growing public frustration over governance, economic stagnation, and lack of political reform.

With the deadline for candidate registration set for July 21, all eyes are now on how the opposition will respond—and whether it can unite to present a serious challenge to Biya’s decades-long grip on power.