President Paul Biya of Cameroon, Africa’s longest-serving leader, has announced his intention to run for the country’s next presidential election, scheduled for 2026. Biya, who is currently 91 years old, will be 93 by the time of the election, aiming for an unprecedented eighth term in office.
The news was revealed on Thursday, August 22, by Kennedy Wandera, founder of the Foreign Press Association Africa, citing a report from The EastAfrican. According to the report, Cameroon was initially set to hold its presidential election in 2025, but Biya has postponed it to 2026. This move has sparked outrage among opposition leaders, who fear they might be barred from contesting, potentially clearing the path for Biya to extend his rule by another seven years.
Biya has been at the helm of Cameroon’s government for 42 years, having assumed the presidency in 1982 after serving as Prime Minister for seven years. His recent decision to delay the parliamentary and municipal elections until 2026 has also drawn criticism. Cameroon’s parliament approved the postponement last month, with the justification that the political calendar was too congested.
If Biya wins the 2026 election and completes his new term, he will be 100 years old by the end of his mandate in 2032.
Madukwe B. Nwabuisi is an accomplished journalist renown for his fearless reporting style and extensive expertise in the field. He is an investigative journalist, who has established himself as a kamikaze reporter.
