Yaounde – Paul Biya, Cameroon’s 91-year-old president and one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders, has dropped hints about contesting the 2025 presidential elections, despite growing calls for him to step aside after more than four decades in power.
In his 27-minute New Year’s address on December 31, Biya underscored his dedication to serving Cameroonians, saying, “My commitment remains steadfast and grows stronger by the day.” While he stopped short of explicitly declaring his candidacy, his words signaled a clear intention to remain a central figure in the nation’s political future.
“I deeply appreciate the unwavering trust and massive support you have given me over the years,” Biya told his audience, attributing his continued leadership to the faith Cameroonians have placed in him. He described this trust as both an honor and a driving force in his leadership, which spans 42 years.
While Biya’s loyalists within the ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM) have openly urged him to pursue another mandate, opposition voices are calling for a generational shift in leadership. Critics from civil society, religious groups, and opposition parties argue that Biya’s lengthy rule has stagnated the nation, citing failures in basic services like water, electricity, healthcare, and road networks.
Under his tenure, rampant corruption has taken root, urban unemployment has soared, and crime rates have risen. Calls for change are growing louder, with grassroots campaigns urging citizens to register to vote if they hope to influence Cameroon’s future direction.
Cameroon, which gained independence in 1960, has had only two presidents in its history: Ahmadou Ahidjo and Paul Biya. Biya first assumed office in 1982, succeeding Ahidjo, and solidified his hold on power by eliminating presidential term limits in 2008. This constitutional amendment allows him to seek re-election indefinitely, making his potential candidacy for 2025 legally permissible.
Ashu Nyenti, a journalist with state broadcaster CRTV, observed that Biya’s recent statements reflect a deliberate ambiguity. “When the harvest is rich, the laborers do not go home to rest,” Nyenti remarked, suggesting Biya’s continued leadership as a possibility. He added that any official decision regarding Biya’s candidacy would need to be announced by mid-2025 to meet constitutional requirements.
During his speech, Biya framed the upcoming elections as a crucial moment to “further strengthen our democracy.” He called on all political actors and stakeholders to prioritize peace and responsibility throughout the electoral process.
However, his message has done little to assuage critics who see his extended presidency as a symbol of authoritarianism rather than democratic resilience.
