91-year-old Biya Signals Intentions for Another Mandate

Cameroon’s 91-year-old President, Paul Biya, in power for 42 years, has hinted about his participation in the 2025 elections amid calls for him to step down.

Biya, who is one of the world’s oldest Presidents, says his resolve to serve Cameroonians “remains steadfast and grows stronger by the day”.

The statement, which ended his 27-minute end-of-year address on December 31, followed calls from his party militants for him to seek another mandate.

On the other hand, the opposition, religious and civil society have called on the President to step down and give younger people a chance.

“I particularly appreciate the unwavering and massive support you have always given me over the years. It is this unwavering trust that has inspired my tireless efforts to meet your aspirations,” President Biya said.

“Your trust is both an honour and a compass for my actions in steering our beloved and beautiful country. I can assure you that my resolve to serve you remains steadfast and grows stronger by the day as we address the immense challenges facing us.”

Subtle Messages

Although the statement does not directly indicate his participation in the 2025 elections, it also suggests that he has no intentions of leaving power either.

Cameroonians will head to the polls in October this year to choose a new Head of State.

The Central African country has seen just two presidents since independence, Ahmadou Ahidjo and Paul Biya.

The opposition says the country has stagnated under President Biya’s 42-year-rule, and basic amenities like water, electricity, roads, and healthcare are broken.

Corruption has also eaten deep into the government and society, with unemployment and crime surging in urban areas.

To remedy the situation, calls have mounted from religious, political and civil society leaders for citizens to enroll on the voter list if they intend to change the country’s leadership.

Biya’s Right to Contest Elections

Although President Biya is old and has ruled for four decades, the Cameroon Constitution still permits him to run for elections.

In 2008, he abolished presidential term limits, permitting him to seek unlimited mandates.

With the upcoming elections, speculations are that he would run, since he hasn’t started otherwise.

The presidential correspondent at the state-owned CRTV, Ashu Nyenti, said Biya’s statement indicates his willingness to continue working. But it also leaves room for speculation.

“All I know is that when the harvest is rich, the laborers do not go home to rest… It is a personal decision to be taken. It is up to President Paul Biya to decide whether he will run or not,” Dr Nyenti said.

He added: “What is important right now is that he still has a number of months to fulfil the promises he was made to Cameroonians and at the end of his mandate he will tell Cameroonians whether he will go to his village at Mvomeka and rest or he’s going to consider.

“I must say that decision will not go beyond June or July because of constitutional constraints. Because the electorate has to be concerned for the October elections between June and July.”

Need for Electoral Maturity

Talking about the 2025 elections, President Biya said it would be an opportunity “to further strengthen our democracy”.

He called on stakeholders to show maturity and responsibility to ensure peace before, during and after the elections.