What's Up Africa, Cameroon, October 2025 Election Theo Edwards What's Up Africa, Cameroon, October 2025 Election Theo Edwards

‘The Best is Yet to Come.’ Cameroon's Paul Biya at 92 Seek Re-election

At 92 years old, Cameroon’s President Paul Biya, the world’s oldest serving head of state, officially announced his intention to seek re-election. His campaign slogan— "The Best is Yet to Come." Imagine, after 43 years in power.

Biya is set to run yet again for an 8th term. He is already one of Africa’s longest-ruling presidents, behind only Equatorial Guinea’s Teodoro Nguema.

Seriously folks! No joking around.
UPDATE: Expanding the article will reveal more information.
“After a tense and totally transparent election marred only by widespread disbelief, 92-year-old President Paul Biya has once again proven that Cameroon’s presidency is a lifelong internship with full benefits and no awkward exit interviews.”
— Source: UPDATE: The Constitutional Council announced on October 27 that Paul Biya, now 92 years old and the world's oldest head of state, secured more than 53%—specifically about 53.66%—of the vote, extending his rule to an eighth consecutive term. His main opponent, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, garnered approximately 35% but has contested the outcome, fueling violent protests and continued unrest in several cities across the country.

The Ancestors— made in France

TRT AFRIKA deep dive into the group of powerful elders governing Cameroon, from 92-year-old President Paul Biya to his 91-year-old potential successor.

A deep dive into the group of powerful elders governing Cameroon, from 92-year-old President Paul Biya to his 91-year-old potential successor and several other top officials in their 80s. Use the Pinch gesture or tap the blue circle on the video player to enlarge the view.

Despite facing more competitors than a local bingo night, Biya secured 53% of the vote—which is roughly the same percentage of citizens who now think elections are just a biannual episode of ‘Who Wants to Be ~President~ Forever.’

 
 

His main opponent, still recovering from sprains sustained jumping to conclusions, has called the results into question, fueling violent protests and continued unrest in several cities across the country- protests that authorities described as ‘a wonderful new form of cardio for the general public.’ Meanwhile, Biya reassured the nation that his eighth consecutive term would be ‘just as exciting as the last seven—maybe with a new hat,’ and promised, ‘Temporary hardships will end soon… and permanent ones will begin.’

 
Traders at the Mokolo market in Yaoundé were taken by surprise this morning by the arrival of an anti-riot truck. Just hours before the official announcement of the presidential election results, tensions are running high.
 
 
Cameroonians taken to the streets to express their discontent after the Constitutional Council proclaimed the presidential election results. In the Makepe Missoke neighborhood of Douala, Issa Tchiroma Bakary is being celebrated.
 
 
DOUALA, CAMEROON: An elderly man, overwhelmed by grief, broke down in tears upon hearing that President Paul Biya had been declared the winner for another seven years in office.
 

Biya you're 92, and still want to rule the country for another 8 years? After ruling for 42 years!! What level of wickedness is this?

How can one not feel the profound despair? Free Cameroon !!

 

Issa Tchiroma Bakary, opposition presidential candidate, speaks, 'We will not back down!' Listen.

Use the Pinch gesture or Tap the blue circle on the video player to enlarge the view
 

END UPDATE

“Cameroonians’ Shadows: 92-Year-Old Biya Crowned Again, France the Hand Unseen.”
— UPDATE: Monday, October 13, 2025

On Sunday, October 12, Cameroon turned its eyes to the polls as 92-year-old Paul Biya, the world’s oldest sitting head of state, sought an unprecedented eighth term in office. This election, far from a mere democratic exercise, bore the marks of a deeply entrenched system where power is less won than preserved.

Biya’s reign, now spanning over 43 years, is not just an extension of tenure but a reinstatement supported by layers of influence, old and new. While the ballots crept across the polling stations, an invisible hand—one many allege belongs to France—guided the processes behind the scenes. Biya is not simply reelected; in truth, he is reinstated by the enduring legacy and ongoing influence of the former colonial power.

Despite a crowded field of nine candidates, the opposition was fragmented, and several key challengers, including the prominent Maurice Kamto, were barred from contesting, their political hopes stifled by the Constitutional Council. This court, dominated by Biya’s allies, dismissed appeals and petitions that might have weakened the incumbent’s grip. The electoral system itself—designed to ensure victory for the candidate with the most votes—was a fortress built to preserve the status quo.

The official results are to be announced by the Constitutional Council within 15 days, a body charged with confirming the outcome in a process heavily tilted in favor of the incumbent.

In this theater of political farce, the election was less a choice and more a reiteration of a political saga scripted decades ago. The nation's youth, with a median age of 18, question a future where power circulates among the old guard while real change seems an echo too faint to grasp.

—The continuation of a reign long sustained by division, suppression, and foreign endorsement.

“There are reports of both sides claiming victory amidst political tensions.”
— Source: OCTOBER 14, 2025: UPDATE

The claim that Cameroonians have voted their 92-year-old president out of power after 43 years has not been officially confirmed.

While Cameroon's opposition candidate, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, has claimed victory in the presidential election held on October 12, 2025. He has called on President Paul Biya, who is 92 years old and has been in power for 43 years, to concede. However, the official election results have not yet been released.

The Independent Elections Cameroon body and the Constitutional Council have not announced formal results, which are expected to be declared by October 26 at the latest.

President Biya's party has rejected the opposition's claim, and government officials have warned that only the Constitutional Council can officially declare the winner.

 

Angry Cameroonians protest over security forces around the residence of the opposition leader.

Cameroon is rich in a variety of minerals, including bauxite, iron ore, gold, diamonds, nickel, cobalt, manganese, and rare earth elements. Although many of these resources remain undeveloped, they hold significant potential for economic growth, which the people of Cameroon are unlikely to benefit from.
 

END UPDATE

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Seriously folks! No joking around.

Cameroon's President Paul Biya, 92

At 92 years old, Cameroon’s President Paul Biya, the world’s oldest serving head of state, officially announced his intention to seek re-election. His campaign slogan— "The Best is Yet to Come." Imagine, after 43 years in power.

Biya has governed Cameroon since 1982 and is set to run yet again for an 8th term. He is already one of Africa’s longest-ruling presidents, behind only Equatorial Guinea’s Teodoro Nguema.

In July 2025, after months of speculation, he confirmed in a tweet that he would run again.

He is running for re-election in the presidential election in Cameroon scheduled for 12 October 2025.

In a move that has shocked few but stirred fresh debate about the state of democracy in Central Africa, a leader who, if successful, could see himself remain in power until he is nearly 100 years old.

His campaign message, shared via social media, emphasizes his ongoing determination: "Much remains to be done! The best is yet to come." This announcement comes after months of speculation about his health, particularly following several lengthy public absences last year.

Biya’s continued rule has been characterized by intimidation, the preservation of elite privileges, and a strong grip on political institutions. The party system and the absence of term limits—eliminated in 2008—have facilitated prolonged leadership.

Biya rarely makes public appearances and is believed to have delegated significant authority to top aides, prompting internal debates about succession. Recent defections of long-time ministers signal tensions within his coalition, while opposition and religious groups increasingly call for new leadership. Nonetheless, elite rallies and party activities continue to support Biya’s re-election.

Many Cameroonians, especially youth, over 36% of the population under 18, express doubts about meaningful change and cite issues such as unemployment and poverty. Opposition parties remain fragmented, with some candidates and civil society groups advocating for regime change, but many express frustration over the entrenched political system.

Despite having abundant resources, Cameroon faces several ongoing challenges, including a heavy reliance on foreign aid, corruption, and persistent human rights issues.

Observers suggest that President Biya's hold on power has hindered both economic and democratic development. His bid for re-election raises significant uncertainty about the country's future trajectory.

Western countries and organizations have largely refrained from direct intervention or public criticism regarding Biya's candidacy. France, Cameroon’s former colonial power, has lost much of its regional influence and has not made any strong statements about Biya’s position.

Similarly, the United States has shown limited interest and has avoided applying noticeable pressure on Biya’s regime. The Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) struggles with its own internal crises and the prevalence of entrenched regimes within its member states, which undermines its credibility to challenge Biya.

Human rights and advocacy groups have become increasingly vocal. Amnesty International, along with other observers, has criticized the Cameroonian government for its authoritarian practices and the recent imprisonment of activists, condemning President Biya's administration for suppressing dissent.

Prominent lawyers, such as Felix Agbor Nkongho, have advocated for a transition to new leadership that genuinely reflects the aspirations of the people, explicitly rejecting the notion of a perpetual incumbent.

Much of the international media coverage frames Biya’s candidacy as symptomatic of broader problems in African politics, particularly the tendency of “old guard” leaders to maintain power at the expense of democratic renewal.

BBC and DW report growing international and domestic demands for Biya to step aside, citing concerns over his age, health, and the lack of opportunities for Cameroon's youth.

Media outlets stress the risks of instability and potential electoral violence, especially given Cameroon's internal conflicts and widespread dissatisfaction with governance.

Theo Edwards for YAME Digital
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