By Muhammad Mamman
Cameroon’s long-serving president, Paul Biya, has secured another term in office at the age of 92, extending his decades-long grip on power until at least 2032.
The country’s electoral commission announced Biya’s victory following last week’s presidential election, confirming what many observers had predicted — a continuation of one of Africa’s longest-running regimes.
Biya, who first assumed office in 1982 after serving as prime minister under Ahmadou Ahidjo, will now embark on his eighth consecutive term, further cementing his position as one of the world’s oldest and longest-serving heads of state.
The announcement sparked mixed reactions across the Central African nation. Supporters in Yaoundé and other major cities celebrated with street rallies, hailing Biya’s “steady leadership” and “commitment to stability.” Critics, however, dismissed the outcome as a foregone conclusion, citing the dominance of the ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM) and the limited space for opposition voices.
Opposition leaders and civil society groups have raised concerns about the transparency of the electoral process, pointing to reports of low voter turnout and restricted access for observers in some regions.
At 92, Biya’s continued rule has drawn both admiration and controversy. His supporters credit him with maintaining national unity in a country divided along linguistic and regional lines, while detractors accuse him of entrenching authoritarianism, suppressing dissent, and presiding over widespread corruption.
International analysts say Biya’s latest victory underscores the enduring power of incumbency in African politics, where long-standing leaders often use state machinery to retain control.
As Biya prepares for another seven-year term, questions linger about succession, governance, and the future of democracy in Cameroon — a nation that has known no other president for more than four decades.
