Cameroon's President Paul Biya, 92, Announces Bid for Eighth Term Amid Political Tensions

President Paul Biya of Cameroon, who has led the country since 1982, announced on Sunday that he will run for an eighth term in the presidential election scheduled for October. The 92-year-old leader made the declaration after months of speculation about his health and political future, following rumors last year about his death that the government denied.

Biya, Africa’s second longest-serving president, addressed the nation on social media, stating that his commitment to serve remains strong in the face of the country’s challenges. His tenure has been marked by allegations of corruption, a secessionist crisis in English-speaking regions, and ongoing violence linked to the Boko Haram extremist group in the north.

The president’s decision to seek re-election comes as several of his former allies have announced their own candidacies. In the 2018 election, Biya won over 70% of the vote, though the process was marred by irregularities and low voter turnout amid conflict. Human rights advocate Nkongho Felix Agbor commented, "President Biya’s announcement to run again is a clear sign of Cameroon’s stalled political transition. After over 40 years in power, what the country needs is renewal — not repetition. Cameroonians deserve democratic change and accountable leadership."

Biya’s extended rule reflects a broader trend in Central and East Africa, where leaders have used state mechanisms to extend their time in office. The upcoming election is expected to test the country’s political stability and appetite for change.