Cameroonian President Paul Biya, the oldest sitting head of state in the world, has announced his intention to run in the presidential election slated for 12 October 2025. A statement to this effect appeared on his official page on Network X.
“I am a presidential candidate. My determination to serve you is as great as the magnitude of the challenges that have confronted our country,” the statement reads.
Biya has been president of Cameroon since 1982. He was given the opportunity to run for president an unlimited number of times after the presidential term limit was abolished in 2008. If he wins, he will remain in power until he is 99 years old.
Biya’s health has regularly been the subject of public debate, especially after his 42-day absence last year. Authorities said at the time that he was feeling well and banned public discussion of the topic, citing national security concerns.
Biya’s candidacy is strongly supported by members of the ruling Cameroonian People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM) party.
Several opposition politicians have also announced their intention to run. They have strongly criticised Biya’s longstanding rule and demanded reforms to ensure transparency and accountability in the electoral process.
Cameroon now faces pressing challenges ranging from economic hardship and separatist conflict in the Anglophone regions to the terrorist threat in the north.