Paul Biya, Africa's longest-serving president, is set to contest Cameroon's 2026 presidential election at the age of 93, seeking an unprecedented eighth term in office. The 91-year-old leader, who has ruled the country since 1982, has confirmed his intention to run again despite growing opposition and concerns about his advanced age and health.
Biya's decision to postpone the election from 2025 to 2026 and allow himself to run has angered many in Cameroon, who argue that the move is unconstitutional and undemocratic. The opposition fears that they may not be permitted to contest the election, effectively handing Biya an easy victory and another seven-year term.
A Controversial Political Career
Biya's presidency has been marked by controversy and allegations of authoritarian rule. He initially promised democratic reforms and liberalization when he took office in 1982, but later reversed course and consolidated power. Biya has won every election since the return of multiparty politics in 1990, but the opposition and international observers have consistently alleged fraud and irregularities.
Under Biya's rule, Cameroon has faced significant challenges, including an Anglophone rebellion in the southwest and northwest regions, the threat of radical Islamist groups from neighbouring Nigeria, and a severe economic crisis. Critics accuse Biya of mismanaging these crises and using them to deflect attention from his own failings.
A Troubled Legacy
Despite his long tenure, Biya's legacy is a troubled one. Corruption has become widespread under his rule, with Transparency International ranking Cameroon as one of the most corrupt countries in the world. The economy has stagnated, and many Cameroonians, especially the youth, face high unemployment and underemployment.
As Biya seeks to extend his rule even further, the opposition and civil society in Cameroon are organizing to present a candidate to challenge him in 2026. They argue that the country needs young, dynamic leaders to address its pressing challenges and move it forward.
However, with Biya's advanced age and the possibility of electoral irregularities, the outcome of the 2026 election remains uncertain. What is clear is that Cameroon's long-suffering people deserve a leader who will prioritize their needs and work to build a more just, prosperous, and democratic society.
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