Cameroon’s long-serving President Paul Biya declared Sunday he will run for an eighth term in the upcoming October 2025 presidential election.
The 92-year-old leader made the announcement on social media, posting in both French and English to address the nation and the world.
“I am a candidate for the 12 October 2025 presidential election,” Biya wrote, reaffirming his desire to continue leading amid growing national challenges.
“Together, there are no challenges we cannot meet. The best is still to come,” he added, striking a tone of optimism. Biya has ruled Cameroon since 1982 and remains the head of the Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM), the ruling party.
His candidacy comes as no surprise, though recent cracks in his political base suggest shifting allegiances within the ruling elite. Two prominent allies defected from Biya’s camp in recent weeks, and others have quietly distanced themselves ahead of the elections.
Despite the mounting dissent, the opposition remains fragmented and has failed to rally behind a single candidate to mount a unified challenge. As Cameroon prepares for the October vote, Biya’s enduring grip on power faces its latest test in a changing political landscape.
