Cameroon stands at a crossroads as millions of voters decide whether to extend Africa’s longest-serving leader’s rule—a decision that could shape the nation’s future for decades. But here’s where it gets controversial: President Paul Biya, who has held power since 1982, is seeking another seven-year term, which would see him in office until the age of 99. Is this a testament to stability, or a sign of stagnation? Let’s dive in.
On Sunday, approximately 8 million Cameroonians, including over 34,000 living abroad, headed to more than 31,000 polling stations across the Central African nation. With a population of over 29 million—predominantly young, like much of sub-Saharan Africa—this election carries immense weight. Polls closed at 6 p.m., and results are expected no later than October 26. But the real question on everyone’s mind is: Can anyone unseat Biya?
Analysts widely predict a Biya victory, marking his eighth term in office. Since becoming president following Ahmadou Ahidjo’s resignation in 1982, Biya has won every election since. And this is the part most people miss: Cameroon has had only two leaders since gaining independence in 1960. Is this continuity a strength, or does it stifle progress? Biya himself framed his candidacy as a duty, stating, ‘In the face of an increasingly challenging global environment, I cannot abandon my mission.’ Yet, he offered no specifics, leaving many to wonder what this mission entails.
Biya’s advanced age and health have long been subjects of speculation. Spending much of his time in Europe, he leaves day-to-day governance to party officials and family members. Here’s the bold question: Does this absentee leadership style serve Cameroon’s best interests, or is it time for fresh blood?
Challenging Biya are nine opposition candidates, including former allies like Bello Bouba Maigari (ex-tourism minister) and Issa Tchiroma Bakary (recently the employment minister). At his first campaign rally in Maroua, Biya promised change for the impoverished north—a region home to nearly 20% of eligible voters and a stronghold for Maigari and Bakary. But will these promises resonate in a nation grappling with deep-seated issues?
Cameroon faces twin security crises: a secessionist war in the English-speaking west, fueled by claims of marginalization by the French-speaking majority, and Boko Haram’s insurgency spilling over from Nigeria in the north. Add to this the fact that 43% of Cameroonians live in poverty, according to U.N. estimates, and the stakes of this election couldn’t be higher.
Now, let’s spark some debate: Is Biya’s longevity a symbol of stability in a turbulent region, or does it reflect a lack of democratic renewal? Should Cameroon prioritize continuity or take a leap into the unknown with new leadership? Share your thoughts in the comments—this conversation needs your voice!
