Africa’s oldest leader prepares for another seven years in power despite calls for change.

At 92, Paul Biya, the world’s oldest leader and Cameroon’s ruler since 1982, is poised to extend his four-decade grip on power with an eighth presidential term.

Four Decades of Rule

Cameroon’s presidential elections, held on October 12, 2025, are expected to grant President Paul Biya yet another term in office. Having ruled since 1982, Biya has won every election in the past two decades with over 70 percent of the vote, according to Al Jazeera. The Guardian reported that despite facing 11 challengers this time, Biya has dismissed calls to retire, insisting he remains capable of leading the nation.

Leader in Decline, Yet Unmoved

The secretary-general of Biya’s ruling party recently claimed that the president is “in great shape.” However, Biya has been largely absent from public view, with his October 7 campaign rally marking his first appearance since May 2025. During the rally, he promised to improve security, road infrastructure, and youth employment, telling supporters, “I know the unfulfilled expectations that make you doubt the future… these problems are not insurmountable.”

A Country Stuck in Time

Biya’s rule, now spanning 43 years, has left Cameroon struggling with deep-rooted poverty, corruption, and instability. Despite being one of Africa’s key producers of cocoa and oil, roughly a third of Cameroonians live on less than US$2 (S$2.60) per day. The country continues to face separatist movements in its western regions and jihadist threats in the north, issues that have worsened under Biya’s leadership.

Youth Disillusionment and Economic Stagnation

With 60 percent of Cameroon’s 30 million citizens under the age of 25, frustration is mounting. Many young Cameroonians see little hope for change, doubting the fairness of the electoral process and the government’s ability to create jobs. For more than half the population, Biya is the only president they have ever known. Approximately 7.8 million citizens are eligible to vote, but turnout and confidence remain low.

Even His Family Opposes Him

In a surprising twist, Biya’s 27-year-old daughter publicly urged voters not to support her father. “Do not vote for Paul Biya, not because of me, but because he has made too many people suffer,” she said, as quoted by Reuters. Known previously for flaunting luxury lifestyles, her statement added an unexpected personal dimension to growing calls for political change.

A Nation Waiting for Renewal

Biya’s long-standing rule symbolizes the persistence of autocratic leadership in parts of Africa. His continued dominance raises questions about the continent’s struggle with democratic renewal, especially as younger generations demand transparency and accountability.

Paul Biya’s enduring presidency underscores the challenges many African nations face in transitioning toward more inclusive governance. For Indonesians and Singaporeans observing regional political patterns, Cameroon’s case offers a sobering reflection on how longevity in leadership can stall reform, stifle opportunity, and alienate youth — even in resource-rich nations.

Sources: Mothership (2025) , CNN (2025)

Keywords: Paul Biya, Cameroon Election, Africa Politics, Longest-Serving Leader, Political Change