Cameroon’s 92-year-old President Paul Biya, the world’s oldest head of state, has officially secured re-election for an eighth consecutive term, according to the country’s Constitutional Council.
The announcement, made on Monday, confirmed Biya’s victory with 53.7% of the vote, defeating his main rival, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, who received 35.2%. Despite widespread speculation about a close contest, the outcome left many Cameroonians feeling a mix of shock and resignation.
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A Controversial Yet Predictable Victory
Biya’s decision to run again after 43 years in power sparked significant debate across Cameroon. Many citizens and analysts question not only his long tenure but also the mystery surrounding his leadership style.
Known for his frequent stays in Geneva, often at the luxurious Intercontinental Hotel, Biya has faced criticism for his absence from domestic affairs and secrecy about his health.
Last year, after appearing at a few international events, Biya disappeared from public view for nearly six weeks, fueling further speculation about his condition. His return to Yaoundé, Cameroon’s capital, was later broadcast to reassure supporters.
Governing from the Shadows
Critics describe Biya’s leadership as “inscrutable” — rarely holding cabinet meetings or engaging publicly on major issues.
While technocrats and ministers continue to manage daily governance, observers note that Cameroon lacks clear political direction under his rule.
Despite the opaque style, Biya has maintained power by balancing Cameroon’s regional and linguistic divisions, especially between French-speaking and English-speaking regions. His administrations have also managed to avoid financial crises with the support of the IMF and international creditors.
Opposition and Rising Discontent
Biya’s latest victory, however, was met with intense frustration from opposition supporters who accuse the regime of election rigging.
Issa Tchiroma Bakary, a former government minister and once Biya ally, emerged as a strong challenger. His campaign drew broad support from various regions, including the Anglophone areas, which have long felt marginalized.
In the aftermath of the election, protests erupted in major cities like Douala and Garoua, with reports of security forces opening fire on demonstrators. The unrest highlights growing anger and disillusionment with Biya’s decades-long rule.
The Question of Succession
With no clear successor and internal rivalries within the Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM), Biya’s continued leadership has delayed discussions about the country’s political future.
Speculation persists about his son, Franck Biya, though he has shown little interest in politics.
Meanwhile, Cameroon faces mounting challenges — from economic inequality and corruption to the ongoing conflict in its English-speaking regions.
A Nation at a Crossroads
As Biya begins his eighth term, Cameroonians are questioning how much longer the nation can endure a system that offers elections without real change.
Many are losing patience with what analysts call Biya’s “semi-authoritarian rule”, as public frustration grows over the lack of progress and accountability.
Conclusion
Paul Biya’s latest victory cements his status as one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders, but it also exposes the deep cracks in Cameroon’s democracy. While stability has long been Biya’s promise, his continued rule may now be fueling unrest rather than preventing it.
For the people of Cameroon, the 2025 election serves as yet another reminder that political longevity can come at the cost of national renewal.