Paul Biya, aged 92, has been re-elected as President of Cameroon for the eighth consecutive term, reaffirming his position as the world’s oldest and one of the longest-serving heads of state. Cameroon Constitutional Council officially declared his victory, enabling him to continue governing the Central African nation until 2032.
Biya’s re-election underscores the enduring dominance of long-serving leaders in parts of Africa, even as continent’s youth population increasingly demands democratic reform and generational change.
About Paul Biya
- Full Name: Paul Barthélemy Biya’a bi Mvondo
- Born: February 13, 1933, in Meyomessala, South Region, Cameroon
- Education:
- Studied Law and Political Science at Université Paris Sorbonne (Faculty of Law), France
- Completed advanced administrative training in Paris before returning to Cameroon in the early 1960s
Political Career Timeline
- 1962: Appointed Chargé de Mission at the Presidency of the Republic of Cameroon
- 1964: Became Director of Cabinet at the Ministry of National Education, Youth Affairs, and Culture
- 1965–1979: Held multiple government roles in various ministries
- 1975: Became Prime Minister of Cameroon
- 1979: Appointed First Vice-President of the Central Committee of the Cameroon National Union (CNU)
- 1982: Assumed Presidency on November 6, following the resignation of Ahmadou Ahidjo, Cameroon’s first President.
- 2008: Benefited from a constitutional amendment removing presidential term limits, allowing him to remain in power indefinitely
Tenure Highlights
- Has governed Cameroon since 1982, marking over 43 years in power
- One of the world’s longest-serving rulers, following Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea
- His re-election extends his rule until 2032, when he will be 99 years old
Socio-Political Context
- Over 70% of Cameroon’s 30 million population is under 35 years old, making Biya’s continued leadership emblematic of Africa’s generational divide.
- The October 2025 elections were conducted amid mounting youth dissatisfaction, especially regarding unemployment, corruption, and lack of political renewal.
- Critics argue that despite Cameroon’s modest oil-based economic growth, wealth distribution remains concentrated among the political elite.
About Cameroon
Geographical Profile
- Continent: Africa
- Region: Junction of Western and Central Africa
- Capital: Yaoundé
- Largest City: Douala (economic hub)
- Official Languages: French and English (bilingual country)
- Currency: Central African CFA franc (XAF)
- Form of Government: Unitary Presidential Republic
Borders
- Nigeria (west)
- Chad (northeast)
- Central African Republic (east)
- Republic of the Congo, Gabon, and Equatorial Guinea (south)
- Atlantic Ocean (southwest coast)
Geographical and Environmental Features
- Topography: Highly diverse; ranges from northern savannas, central highlands, southern coastal plains, to western volcanic mountains (including Mount Cameroon, 4,095 m — the highest peak in West Africa).
- Soils: Fertile volcanic soils in the southwest; vulnerable but rich alluvial soils in the north.
Major Rivers:
- Sanaga, Wouri, Nyong (flow into the Atlantic Ocean)
- Benue River (flows into Nigeria’s Niger Basin)
Climate:
- Tropical overall; hot and humid in the south, semi-arid in the north
- Rainy Season: April–November (coastal areas)
- Dry Season: October–May (northern Cameroon)
- Mount Cameroon region receives some of the highest rainfall in the world
Flora and Fauna
- South Cameroon: Dense tropical rainforests with mahogany, ebony, orchids, and ferns
- Central Region: Semi-deciduous forests with seasonal leaf-shedding
- North: Wooded savannas transitioning into Sahel vegetation dominated by acacia
- Wildlife:
- Forests: Chimpanzees, mandrills, red and green monkeys, rodents, bats
- Savannas: Elephants, baboons, giraffes, antelopes, lions, leopards, and various bird species
- Protected Areas:
- Waza National Park (North)– home to elephants, giraffes, lions, and antelopes
- Dja Faunal Reserve (South)– UNESCO World Heritage Site (designated in the late 1980s), a pristine rainforest with high biodiversity
Economy
- Resource Base: Oil, timber, agriculture, and minerals
- Oil Production: A significant contributor to national revenue
- Economic Challenges:
- Despite oil wealth, youth unemployment and income inequality persist
- Unemployment Rate: 3.5% (World Bank, 2025 est.)
- Informal Employment: Around 57% of workers aged 18–35 are employed in the informal sector
Political and Global Standing
- Political Party: Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM), ruling since 1985
- Key International Affiliations:
- African Union (AU)
- Commonwealth of Nations
- Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF)
- Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC)
- Military Strength: Active involvement in regional counter-terrorism operations, especially against Boko Haram in the Lake Chad Basin region.
Significance of Paul Biya’s Re-election
- Extends his 43-year rule, making him one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders.
- Reflects continuity of power amid limited political competition in Cameroon.
- Highlights ageing leadership in Africa versus its young demographic structure.
- Raises concerns about democratic transition and governance reform.
- Reinforces Cameroon’s stability in a volatile region but deepens youth discontent and calls for generational change.
Key Facts
| Parameter | Details |
| Country Name | Republic of Cameroon |
| President (2025) | Paul Biya |
| Capital | Yaoundé |
| Currency | Central African CFA Franc (XAF) |
| Continent | Africa |
| Highest Peak | Mount Cameroon (4,095 m) |
| Major National Park | Waza National Park |
| UNESCO Site | Dja Faunal Reserve |
| Independence Day | January 1, 1960 (from France) |
| Colonial History | Former German, then French and British territories |
| Official Languages | French and English |
| Population (2025 est.) | ~30 million |