What's happened
Cameroon's 92-year-old President Paul Biya has announced his candidacy for a new seven-year term in the October 2025 election. His bid follows years of health speculation and political controversy amid ongoing conflicts, economic challenges, and opposition protests. The election is expected to be contentious.
What's behind the headline?
Biya's decision to run again underscores Cameroon’s stalled political transition. His long rule, characterized by constitutional amendments and suppression of dissent, has created a fragile political environment. The opposition's fragmentation and defections from Biya’s camp weaken his position, but the government’s history of election irregularities and harassment of civil society suggest the vote may not be entirely free or fair. The election’s outcome will likely determine whether Cameroon continues its current trajectory or faces increased instability. The aging leader’s health and the potential for post-election unrest or a coup remain significant risks. This election highlights the broader pattern of prolonged leadership in Africa, where long-serving presidents often resist democratic renewal, risking future instability.
What the papers say
The Guardian reports that Biya's candidacy follows years of health rumors and political controversy, with opposition figures criticizing his long rule and the lack of democratic progress. The Independent emphasizes that Biya's health and age are major concerns, with defections from his allies signaling internal dissent. Al Jazeera notes that Biya's social media announcement was a rare direct engagement, but opposition parties remain divided and skeptical about the election's fairness. All sources agree that Cameroon faces a critical juncture, with the potential for instability if the election is perceived as illegitimate or if Biya’s health deteriorates further.
How we got here
Biya, in power since 1982, has maintained control through constitutional changes, including the abolition of term limits in 2008. His long tenure has been marked by economic stability, but also by allegations of corruption, repression of dissent, and conflicts in English-speaking regions. Recent defections from his coalition signal growing opposition, while his health remains a subject of speculation. The upcoming election is seen as a test of Cameroon’s political stability and democratic process.
Go deeper
- What are the main challenges facing Cameroon in this election?
- How might Biya's health impact the election outcome?
- What are the prospects for democratic reform in Cameroon?
Common question
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Paul Biya is a Cameroonian politician serving as the president of Cameroon since 6 November 1982. He is the second-longest-ruling president in Africa, the longest-ruling non-royal leader in the world, and the oldest head-of-state in Africa.
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Cameroon, officially the Republic of Cameroon, is a country in Central Africa. It is bordered by Nigeria to the west and north; Chad to the northeast; the Central African Republic to the east; and Equatorial Guinea, Gabon and the Republic of the Congo to
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