Paul Biya Seeks Eighth Term in Cameroon

Paul Biya, the 92-year-old President of Cameroon and the world's oldest head of state, has announced his intention to seek an eighth term in the October presidential election. If successful, this would extend his rule to nearly 100 years old, having already been in power for 43 years since 1982. His decision follows calls from supporters within the Cameroon — Cameroon People s Democratic Movement, but also comes amidst widespread criticism over corruption, embezzlement, bad governance, and human rights abuses, as highlighted by organizations like Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International. Concerns about Paul Biya's health have also been prominent, with the government of Cameroon banning media discussions on the topic. Several opposition figures, including Maurice Kamto, Joshua Osih, Akere Muna, and Cabral Libii, have announced their candidacies, while former allies like Issa Tchiroma and Bello Bouba Maigari have quit the ruling coalition to run independently. The opposition, however, remains fragmented, making a unified challenge difficult.