Cameroon’s long-serving President, Paul Biya, has formally announced his intention to run for an eighth term in the upcoming presidential elections set for October 12, 2025. At 92 years old, Biya has been at the helm of Cameroon for nearly 43 years, making him one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders.

On Sunday, Biya shared his decision via a post on X (formerly Twitter), written in both French and English. He expressed his unwavering commitment to serve the nation, stating, “I am a candidate for the 12 October 2025 presidential election. Rest assured that my determination to serve you is commensurate with the serious challenges facing us. Together, there are no challenges we cannot meet. The best is still to come.”

As the de facto candidate of the ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM), of which he is the party leader, Biya’s candidacy appears almost certain. However, questions surrounding his health and ability to govern effectively at his advanced age have fueled public debate.

In recent months, some of Biya’s long-standing supporters and allies have distanced themselves from him. Notably, Employment Minister Issa Tchiroma Bakary resigned in June to compete in the election representing his Front for the National Salvation of Cameroon (FSNC). Additionally, Bello Bouba Maigari, a former prime minister and close ally for nearly three decades, announced his bid for the opposition National Union for Democracy and Progress (NUDP).

While these defections reflect shifting political dynamics, several key opposition figures remain in the race, including Maurice Kamto—who finished second in the 2018 elections and is one of Biya’s most vocal critics—and Cabral Libii from the Cameroonian Party for National Reconciliation (CPNR).

Candidates have until July 21 to declare their intention to run, but the country’s opposition remains fractured and struggles to unite behind a single candidate. Despite widespread public dissatisfaction—stemming from youth unemployment, rising prices, and deteriorating public services—political division hampers a unified challenge to Biya’s government.

Compounding these issues are ongoing tensions in English-speaking regions, where separatist conflicts sometimes lead to violence, adding another layer of complexity to Cameroon’s electoral landscape.

As the election approaches, the political scene in Cameroon is being watched closely, determined by debates over leadership, stability, and the future of this West African nation.