By Enyichukwu Enemanna
Opposition parties in Cameroon and some civil society groups have kicked against Sunday’s announcement by Paul Biya that he will seek re-election as the President of the Central African nation in the October 4 polls.
Biya, 92, is the world’s oldest serving head of state. He announced his decision to seek a fresh term in posts on X, in both French and English.
“I am a candidate in the presidential election,” he wrote. “Rest assured that my determination to serve you matches the urgency of the challenges we face.”
He came to power more than four decades ago in 1982, when his predecessor, Ahmadou Ahidjo, resigned.
Opposition and right activists have however said Biya’s long rule has stifled economic and democratic development.
“President Biya’s announcement to run again is a clear sign of Cameroon’s stalled political transition. After over 40 years in power, what the country needs is renewal – not repetition. Cameroonians deserve democratic change and accountable leadership,” Nkongho Felix Agbor, a human rights advocate and lawyer, told The Associated Press news agency.
Two former allies have quit the governing coalition and announced plans to separately run in the election.
Biya’s re-election bid had been widely anticipated but not formally confirmed until Sunday’s social media post.
His health is the subject of frequent speculation, most recently last year when he disappeared from public view for 42 days.
In 2008, Biya removed the presidential term limit, clearing the way for him to run indefinitely. He won the 2018 election with 71.28 percent of the vote, though opposition parties alleged widespread irregularities.
Besides Biya, several opposition figures have also declared their intention to run, including 2018 runner-up Maurice Kamto of the Cameroon Renaissance Movement, Joshua Osih of the Social Democratic Front, lawyer Akere Muna, and Cabral Libii of the Cameroon Party for National Reconciliation.
All have criticised Biya’s long period as head of state and called for reforms to ensure a fair vote in 2025.
