Yaounde: Cameroon's longtime leader, President Paul Biya, 92, is set to seek an unprecedented eighth term in office, despite mounting criticism from both within and outside the country. Biya, who has ruled Cameroon since 1982, officially announced his candidacy in July, citing “numerous and insistent” calls for him to continue leading the nation.
The announcement has sparked widespread debate over Biya’s capacity to govern at his advanced age. Catholic Archbishop Samuel Kleda openly questioned the president's ability to continue in office, calling it “not realistic.” Meanwhile, political cracks are emerging within Biya’s own ruling party, with two former cabinet ministers from northern regions defecting and challenging his leadership.
Adding a dramatic twist to the political discourse, Biya’s 27-year-old daughter, Brenda Biya, posted a TikTok video criticizing her father’s 42-year tenure, stating he “has made too many people suffer” and urging Cameroonians to vote him out. Though she later recanted, the video continues to circulate, energizing the opposition and fueling public debate about the future of Cameroon’s leadership.
Despite the criticism, Biya remains a formidable contender in the upcoming presidential election scheduled for October 12. Analysts attribute his enduring grip on power to an entrenched patronage system, a loyal military, weak opposition cohesion, and manipulation of the electoral process.
The disqualification of key opposition leader Maurice Kamto has raised further concerns over the fairness and transparency of the vote. Fear of state repression and legal repercussions has also silenced many dissenting voices, allowing Biya to maintain control amid growing public dissatisfaction with governance and public services.
Cameroon’s challenges extend beyond politics. The country faces significant economic strain, including a $1.6 billion financing gap and the impending maturity of a $750 million bond.
Simultaneously, ongoing conflicts with Anglophone separatists and threats from Islamist groups have added layers of complexity to the political and investment environment.
As the October 12 election approaches, Cameroon faces a critical juncture. The combination of internal dissent, economic pressures, and security challenges underscores the uncertainty surrounding President Biya’s continued rule and the nation’s political future.