Cameroon’s 92-Year-Old President Paul Biya Announces Bid for Eighth Term

Paul Biya

Source: Africa Publicity

Cameroon’s President Paul Biya, the world’s oldest serving head of state at 92, has officially announced his intention to seek re-election, aiming for an eighth term in office.

Biya, who has ruled the Central African nation since 1982, made the announcement on July 13 via a post on his official X (formerly Twitter) account. “I am a candidate in the presidential election. Rest assured that my determination to serve you matches the urgency of the challenges we face,” the statement read.

In 2008, Biya eliminated constitutional term limits, paving the way for his indefinite hold on power. If re-elected, he could remain in office until nearly 100 years old.

His health has been the subject of frequent speculation, especially after a 42-day disappearance from the public eye last year. Although the government claimed he was in good health, it banned public discussion of his condition, calling it a matter of national security.

Biya’s latest bid, though widely anticipated, was not officially confirmed until Sunday’s post. In recent weeks, he had been increasingly active on his verified social media account, hinting at a major announcement.

Critics say his prolonged rule has been marked by economic stagnation, rising insecurity, and declining public trust. Biya rarely appears in public and often delegates responsibilities to his powerful chief of staff, further fueling concerns about his fitness to govern.

His renewed candidacy is likely to reignite debates over leadership succession, governance, and the state of democracy in Cameroon.