Cameroon’s 92-year-old President Paul Biya has announced his bid for an eighth term, despite mounting calls for him to step aside. Biya, who has ruled since 1982, claims he is responding to “numerous and insistent” appeals to remain in office. The announcement comes as critics question both his health and the fairness of upcoming elections.
Calls for Biya to step down have come from varied sources. Catholic Archbishop Samuel Kleda said it was “not realistic” for Biya to continue in office. Two cabinet members from the northern regions of Cameroon publicly questioned his ability to lead. Even Biya’s daughter, Brenda Biya, initially urged him on TikTok to step aside, citing public suffering, though she later recanted.
Despite the criticisms, Biya remains a formidable political figure. Analysts note that his eighth term bid is supported by entrenched patronage networks, a loyal army, and a fractured opposition. Arrey Ntui, a senior analyst with the International Crisis Group, remarked, “Very few people in the ruling system are willing to put their heads above the parapet” to challenge Biya.
Biya’s long tenure includes surviving a 1984 coup attempt and navigating Cameroon’s first multi-party elections in 1992. In 2008, he amended the constitution to remove presidential term limits, paving the way for his eighth term. Past elections in 2011 and 2018 were won by comfortable margins, though allegations of ballot manipulation persisted.
Health concerns remain a key issue for Biya’s campaign. Last year, he disappeared from public view for 42 days, sparking speculation. The government has dismissed these worries as “pure fantasy” and prohibited public discussion of his health.
Opposition challenges are further weakened by legal hurdles. Maurice Kamto, Biya’s main rival, was disqualified in July, raising questions about the election’s credibility. Observers note that fear of legal repercussions silences many Cameroonians, reinforcing Biya’s hold on power.
As Cameroon heads to the polls on October 12, Biya’s eighth term bid illustrates the enduring power of an aged leader amid domestic unease and international scrutiny. The upcoming election will test both the electorate’s will and the resilience of Cameroon’s political institutions.
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