Cameroon’s President Biya, 92, Seeks Eighth Term in Office

• Cameroon’s President Paul Biya announces he will seek an eighth term.
• Biya has been in power for 43 years, making his tenure remarkable.
• His candidacy announcement came via social media, highlighting his determination.
• Former supporters appear to distance themselves as the election approaches.
• The opposition in Cameroon is facing challenges in presenting a united front.

Biya’s Announcement of Eighth Term Bid Stuns Many

Cameroon’s President, Paul Biya, who is 92 years old, officially announced on social media that he will be seeking an eighth term in office during the upcoming presidential elections scheduled for October 2025. This decision marks a continuation of Biya’s extensive tenure which has lasted for an impressive 43 years. Biya made this announcement on the social media platform X in both French and English, emphasizing a firm commitment to his role as leader despite his age.

Facing Challenges, Biya Calls for Unity Among Citizens

In his message, Biya addressed the citizens of Cameroon, stating, “I am a candidate for the 12 October 2025 presidential election. Rest assured that my determination to serve you is commensurate with the serious challenges facing us.” His call for unity and resilience amongst the people resonates as he believes together they can tackle any challenges. Biya reassures supporters that, “The best is still to come,” implying he has a vision for future progress amidst criticism.

Opposition Divided While Biya’s Influence Persists

Despite previous reports of dwindling support, Biya remains the leading candidate for the Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM), a position that has him entrenched in party politics. However, recent months have seen some longstanding supporters start to distance themselves from the President. Notably, the opposition remains fragmented and continues to face significant hurdles in coming together behind a single candidate, which complicates any potential challenges to Biya’s extended rule in the upcoming election.

To sum up, President Paul Biya’s announcement to run for an eighth term indicates his intent to maintain his lengthy rule amid a challenging political landscape. His long-standing leadership is juxtaposed with emerging doubts from former allies, while the opposition struggles to unify. It appears that the upcoming elections will continue to test the resilience of Cameroon’s political fabric as Biya seeks to assert his legacy further for the nation.