As Cameroon’s President Paul Biya turns 92, he marks yet another milestone as the world’s oldest head of state, having ruled for over four decades with an iron grip. Despite growing calls for change and concerns over his health, Biya remains silent on whether he will contest for an unprecedented eighth term in this year’s presidential election.
Biya first ascended to power in 1982, and what followed was a political era characterized by tight control, strategic maneuvering, and relentless suppression of dissent. After securing a contested victory in 2018, his administration intensified its crackdown on opposition voices, deploying security forces to quash protests and jailing critics. Human rights groups frequently accuse his government of violating freedoms, with arbitrary arrests and long prison sentences becoming tools of intimidation.
Yet, in Cameroon’s deeply fragmented political landscape, many—including a divided opposition—believe that Biya will once again be the ruling party’s candidate come October. His government has remained elusive about his plans, with Communication Minister Rene Emmanuel Sadi recently stating that Biya would reveal his decision “at the appropriate time.”
Concerns over Biya’s health have been mounting for years. In 2023, he vanished from public view for weeks, fueling speculation about his well-being. Eventually, officials confirmed that he was in Switzerland, where he frequently retreats to luxurious resorts. To prevent further scrutiny, the government formally banned local media from discussing his health. Since his return in October, his public appearances have been scarce—limited to a few official palace photos, a regional summit, and televised speeches.
Still, his loyalists insist he is fit to govern. Traditional leaders and supporters continue to rally behind him, dismissing concerns and claiming he can still endure “two more terms.”
Under Biya’s rule, Cameroon has seen its economy struggle under the weight of corruption and mismanagement. Unemployment remains high, and poverty is widespread. The Catholic bishops of Cameroon, in a recent statement, condemned the state of the nation, citing “rising misery, deepening corruption, and the slow decay of our once-beautiful country.”
Meanwhile, the country continues to grapple with multiple security crises. In the far north, Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) insurgents have wreaked havoc since 2009. In the west, a bloody separatist conflict has raged since 2016, pitting armed groups against government forces in the English-speaking regions. The government’s response has been one of heavy militarization and repression, exacerbating tensions rather than resolving them.
Despite this, Biya remains defiant, praising what he calls “tremendous progress” in recent years. In his last address, delivered in his signature hoarse voice, he warned Cameroonians against “irresponsible elements” calling for change, urging the youth to reject “the sirens of chaos.”
A Nation in Limbo
Biya’s long reign has left Cameroon’s political system in paralysis. The government has not been reshuffled since 2019, and key ministerial positions remain vacant following the deaths of four ministers. In parliament, more than a dozen lawmakers and five senators have passed away, yet their seats remain unfilled—another sign of the political stagnation gripping the country.
With the October elections fast approaching, Cameroon faces a pivotal moment. Will Biya cling to power, extending his 42-year rule? Or will the country finally see a shift in leadership? For now, the aging leader holds his cards close, keeping a nation in suspense—one that has known no other ruler for nearly half a century.
PIONEER NEWS 