**President Paul Biya, at 92, announces his candidacy for another term amid calls for change and internal party tensions.**
**Paul Biya Seeks Eighth Presidential Term at 92 Amid Criticism**
**Paul Biya Seeks Eighth Presidential Term at 92 Amid Criticism**
**The long-standing leader of Cameroon aims to extend his rule despite health concerns and growing opposition.**
In a move that has sparked considerable debate, the world's oldest head of state, President Paul Biya of Cameroon, has confirmed his intention to run for an unprecedented eighth term as the nation's leader. At 92 years old, Biya has announced his candidacy for the upcoming elections in October, seeking to further extend his tenure, which began in 1982.
In a statement posted on social media platform X, Biya expressed his resolve to address the pressing challenges facing Cameroon, attributing his decision to run to persistent encouragement from citizens across the nation and its diaspora. His announcement, however, comes in the context of a range of concerns regarding his administration, which has been mired in accusations of corruption, poor governance, and failure to effectively tackle ongoing security issues.
Critics have also raised questions about Biya's health and capacity to govern, especially following a significant period of absence from public view last year. This absence fueled speculation surrounding his well-being and even unsubstantiated rumors of his death. Despite such controversies, Biya remains a dominant figure in Cameroonian politics, having never lost an election since ascending to power.
While a candidacy was expected, the formal confirmation was made through his social media update this past Sunday. Should he win yet another seven-year term, it is conceivable that he could remain in power until he approaches the age of 100.
Recently, calls for Biya to yield his position to new leadership have amplified, both within and outside of Cameroon. This pressure is compounded by a recent split in political alliances, notably with significant figures such as former Prime Minister Bello Bouba Maigari and minister Issa Tchiroma Bakary departing the ruling coalition to pursue their own candidacies. Tchiroma, for instance, has publicly criticized the Biya administration for failing to maintain public trust.
Numerous opposition candidates, including 2018 election runner-up Maurice Kamto, have emerged to challenge Biya in the upcoming electoral contest, which is already drawing attention due to alleged irregularities in past elections. Nevertheless, members of Biya's ruling party have rallied in support of his candidacy, emphasizing his position as the party's leader.
Biya's continuous quest for re-election was facilitated by the abolition of presidential term limits in 2008, a maneuver that has allowed him to pursue the presidency indefinitely, a move that continues to generate significant debate in the political landscape of Cameroon.
In a statement posted on social media platform X, Biya expressed his resolve to address the pressing challenges facing Cameroon, attributing his decision to run to persistent encouragement from citizens across the nation and its diaspora. His announcement, however, comes in the context of a range of concerns regarding his administration, which has been mired in accusations of corruption, poor governance, and failure to effectively tackle ongoing security issues.
Critics have also raised questions about Biya's health and capacity to govern, especially following a significant period of absence from public view last year. This absence fueled speculation surrounding his well-being and even unsubstantiated rumors of his death. Despite such controversies, Biya remains a dominant figure in Cameroonian politics, having never lost an election since ascending to power.
While a candidacy was expected, the formal confirmation was made through his social media update this past Sunday. Should he win yet another seven-year term, it is conceivable that he could remain in power until he approaches the age of 100.
Recently, calls for Biya to yield his position to new leadership have amplified, both within and outside of Cameroon. This pressure is compounded by a recent split in political alliances, notably with significant figures such as former Prime Minister Bello Bouba Maigari and minister Issa Tchiroma Bakary departing the ruling coalition to pursue their own candidacies. Tchiroma, for instance, has publicly criticized the Biya administration for failing to maintain public trust.
Numerous opposition candidates, including 2018 election runner-up Maurice Kamto, have emerged to challenge Biya in the upcoming electoral contest, which is already drawing attention due to alleged irregularities in past elections. Nevertheless, members of Biya's ruling party have rallied in support of his candidacy, emphasizing his position as the party's leader.
Biya's continuous quest for re-election was facilitated by the abolition of presidential term limits in 2008, a maneuver that has allowed him to pursue the presidency indefinitely, a move that continues to generate significant debate in the political landscape of Cameroon.
