92-Year-Old Paul Biya Makes First Campaign Appearance in Cameroon

Cameroon’s long-serving President, Paul Biya, made his first campaign appearance on Monday in Maroua, located in the country’s Far North Region, as he seeks an eighth term in office at the age of 92.

The rally, which drew thousands of supporters, marked a rare public appearance for Biya, who has ruled the Central African nation since 1982. Dressed in his trademark suit and hat, the nonagenarian leader promised to continue efforts aimed at improving security, reducing youth unemployment, and expanding social infrastructure if re-elected in the October 12, 2025 presidential election.

“We will keep working to bring peace to our regions, fight unemployment, and ensure progress for every Cameroonian,” Biya told cheering supporters.

His speech touched on restoring stability in areas affected by Boko Haram insurgency and boosting economic opportunities for young people.

Biya’s public outing comes amid growing debate over his health and ability to govern, given his advanced age and long absences from public events in recent years. Critics have often accused his administration of stifling opposition and curbing press freedom, while supporters hail him as a symbol of unity and stability.

This year’s election has already stirred controversy after the Constitutional Council disqualified several opposition figures, including Maurice Kamto, one of Biya’s main challengers in the 2018 polls.

The decision has fueled concerns about the credibility of the upcoming vote.

Despite local and international calls for him to step aside, Biya remains the Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM) candidate and appears determined to extend his more than four-decade rule.

If successful, Paul Biya would become one of the world’s longest-serving and oldest heads of state still in power.