Overview

• Paul Biya used the social media platform X on July 13 to confirm he will seek an eighth term in Cameroon’s October presidential election.
• He has ruled since 1982 and, at 92, is the oldest sitting head of state worldwide.
• His announcement brings to an end months of speculation over whether the ageing president would run again.
• Cameroon operates a multiparty system with tight media restrictions and outlawed discussion of the president’s health last year.
• In Central Africa, other long-serving leaders such as Uganda’s Yoweri Museveni and Equatorial Guinea’s Teodoro Obiang have also moved to prolong their tenures.