In a move that solidifies his position as one of the world's longest-serving leaders, Cameroon’s constitutional court has cleared President Paul Biya to stand in the October 12 elections. The ruling, which came after a challenge from an opposition candidate, effectively extends Biya’s nearly 43 years in power and places him once again at the center of Cameroon’s political future. At 92 years old, his re-election would make him one of the oldest sitting presidents globally, a fact that has fueled questions about his health, succession, and the country's long-term direction.
The legal challenge was brought by Akere Muna of the Universe party, who argued that Biya’s advanced age and health concerns made him unfit for office. While Muna accepted the court’s decision, he expressed lingering doubts about the President’s capacity to govern, stating that Biya "reigns but he doesn’t govern." He pointed to the leader's reliance on his inner circle and wife to carry out state duties, a claim that has been a long-standing criticism of Biya's rule.
The 2025 presidential election in Cameroon is set against a complex backdrop. A total of thirteen candidates have been cleared to run, but the most formidable challenger, opposition leader Maurice Kamto, was barred from the race after the Constitutional Council rejected his legal challenge. This move, along with the candidacies of longtime Biya allies who have defected, is seen by analysts as a strategy that could split the opposition vote and further entrench Biya's position. Analysts estimate that Biya has a 60–70% probability of re-election, a forecast largely attributed to the ruling party's dominance over electoral institutions.
Biya’s candidacy and long tenure are emblematic of a wider trend in Africa where aging leaders cling to power despite questions of health and legitimacy. The article provides several examples of this trend, including Zimbabwe's Robert Mugabe, who ruled until age 93; Algeria’s Abdelaziz Bouteflika, who remained in office after a debilitating stroke; and Gabon’s Omar Bongo, who governed for 42 years. In Equatorial Guinea, Teodoro Obiang continues as the world's longest-serving president, now in his 80s. These cases show how entrenched systems and institutional control often shield aging leaders, enabling them to outlast health crises and public discontent.
The election takes place amidst a series of pressing challenges for Cameroon, including an ongoing separatist conflict in the Anglophone regions, Boko Haram violence in the north, persistent poverty, and widespread youth disillusionment. Additionally, press freedom remains tightly restricted, with censorship and repression of journalists intensifying in the run-up to the polls.
