Cameroon’s long-serving President Paul Biya, aged 92, is seeking an eighth term in office as the country heads toward elections on October 12, 2025, despite mounting calls for him to retire. Biya, who has ruled since 1982, announced his candidacy in July, saying he was responding to “numerous and insistent” appeals from Cameroonians at home and abroad, as reported by Reuters.
The decision has sparked widespread debate across the country, with religious, political, and family voices urging him to step aside. A senior Catholic archbishop described Biya’s continued rule as “not realistic,” while two former ministers from northern regions raised concerns about his health and leadership capacity. His daughter, Brenda Biya, also made headlines after publicly criticizing his extended tenure and urging Cameroonians to vote for change, Reuters reported.
Critics highlight Biya’s age and infrequent public appearances as signs of weakening leadership, citing years of economic stagnation, high youth unemployment, and security challenges in Cameroon’s anglophone regions. Despite these concerns, analysts say he remains politically strong due to his control over state institutions, military loyalty, and a fragmented opposition, as highlighted by Al Jazeera.
Investors are closely monitoring the election’s outcome for potential effects on political stability and fiscal management. The exclusion of key opposition figures, including Maurice Kamto, has raised concerns about electoral fairness. Analysts warn that any post-election unrest could dampen investor confidence and slow foreign direct investment in critical sectors such as oil, cocoa, and timber, as reported by Bloomberg.
