Cameroon’s President Paul Biya, who has led the country since 1982, has announced his candidacy for the presidential election scheduled for October 12, 2025.
National Assembly President Cavaye Yéguié Djibril announced on January 23.
At 91 years old, Biya is the world’s oldest serving head of state and ranks second in longevity of power, with over 41 years in office. Only Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea, who has been in office since 1979, has held power longer.
Biya will be running for his eighth term as president. The Cameroonian constitution places no restrictions on a candidate’s age or the number of terms a president can serve. Each term lasts seven years. If successful, Biya would remain Cameroon’s second head of state since independence in 1960, succeeding Amadou Ahidjo, who led the country until Biya took office.
Djibril, speaking on behalf of Biya’s party, the Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement, said:
At a time when some call for division and rebellion, let us remain united and lucid. Talking about entrusting our country to an unknown devil is irresponsible.
Biya’s decision to run comes amid ongoing debates about leadership longevity and generational change in African politics. The BBC reported that critics argue that Cameroon’s leadership should transition to a younger generation capable of addressing national challenges and pursuing development opportunities faster and dynamically.
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