Cameroon’s 92-year-old President Paul Biya has announced his candidacy for an eighth term in the October 12 presidential election, extending his nearly 43-year rule over the central African nation.
Biya made the declaration via a social media post, stating his determination to serve matches the urgency of the challenges Cameroon faces.
His decision comes after numerous calls from people across the country and the diaspora. If re-elected, Biya could remain in power until he’s nearly 100.
Biya’s administration has faced criticism for corruption, embezzlement, and poor governance, with concerns about his health and ability to govern.
His absence from public view for over six weeks last year sparked speculation about his well-being.
Despite this, Biya has maintained a strong grip on power, abolishing term limits in 2008 to allow himself to seek re-election indefinitely.
Several opposition figures have announced their candidacies, including Maurice Kamto, Joshua Osih, Akere Muna, and Cabral Libii. Two former allies, Issa Tchiroma Bakary and Bello Bouba Maigari, have quit the ruling coalition and plan to run against Biya.
The election will test Biya’s popularity amid ongoing economic pressures and a separatist conflict in the country’s Anglophone regions.
