President Paul Biya has officially declared his candidacy for an eighth term in the upcoming October 12, 2025 election, signaling his intent to extend an extraordinary 43-year rule over Cameroon. Standing at 92, one of the world’s oldest heads of state, Biya made the announcement on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account in both French and English, stating, “Rest assured that my determination to serve you is matched by the serious challenges we face. The best is yet to come” .
Biya’s campaign follows widespread calls from his ruling party—the Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM)—and supporters both at home and in the diaspora. Critics, however, warn that his extended tenure has stifled political renewal, perpetuated corruption, and impeded governance amid ongoing crises like separatist conflict in English-speaking regions and militant violence in the north .
In a strategic move shortly after confirming his candidacy, Biya reshuffled the military’s top leadership—including the elite Rapid Intervention Battalion—to consolidate loyalty and assert control ahead of a volatile election period . Observers suggest the shuffle is intended to suppress dissent and reinforce regime stability as opposition momentum builds .
Biya’s entry into the race has triggered defections from key longtime allies. Former ministers Issa Tchiroma Bakary and Bello Bouba Maigari, central figures in previous CPDM governments, have now declared their independent candidacies, citing dissatisfaction with Biya’s leadership and governance failure in the country’s north . Opposition figures including Maurice Kamto, Cabral Libii, Akere Muna, and Joshua Osih have also formally filed to challenge Biya, pledging reform and free, fair elections after years of systematic suppression .
Despite holding power since 1982, Biya’s rule is increasingly under scrutiny over his health and governance capacity. A 2024 absence of over six weeks from public view sparked rumors of incapacitation. The government has attempted to silence discussion on his condition, even controlling media reports to avoid speculation . Critics argue structural weaknesses undermine succession planning, heightening uncertainty if Biya were to become unable to remain in office .
Cameroon faces deep socioeconomic challenges, including entrenched poverty, fragmented governance, and violent conflict across multiple fronts. Analysts point out that voter apathy is rising: turnout has declined under conditions of restricted press freedom, electoral manipulation, and state repression. Civil society groups have documented intensified censorship of dissenting journalists in the lead-up to the polls .
As Biya seeks another term, the breakdown of internal loyalty within his regime—coupled with opposition mobilization and elite discontent—signals a potentially volatile election cycle. Whether the electoral process will provide a genuine opportunity for democratic transition or devolve into managed continuity remains at the heart of Cameroon’s political future.
Credit: The Guardian
