At 92, Paul Biya has once again rewritten the limits of political longevity. Re-elected as Cameroon’s president for an eighth consecutive term, Biya now holds the distinction of being the world’s oldest sitting head of state — a living emblem of endurance in a nation yearning for change.
His victory, announced by the Constitutional Council after the October 12, 2025 election, extends a rule that began in 1982, when Ronald Reagan was in the White House and the Berlin Wall still stood. More than four decades later, Biya’s hold on power endures, even as his country faces mounting unrest, a restless youth population, and growing demands for democratic reform.
The Vote and the Verdict
The official tally gave Biya 53.66% of the vote against 35.19% for his main challenger, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, with a 57.7% voter turnout.
Opposition groups, however, have rejected the results, alleging widespread irregularities and intimidation. The weeks leading up to the vote saw violent clashes and fatal shootings, with at least four people reported dead and dozens detained.
A Presidency That Outlasted Generations
Biya’s presidency has spanned eight U.S. presidents, seven British prime ministers, and countless shifts in global politics. His leadership style — marked by tight control, constitutional revisions, and centralized authority — has created a political system where continuity often outweighs accountability.
Over 70% of Cameroon’s 30 million citizens are under the age of 35, meaning most have never known another leader. For them, Biya’s rule feels like history repeating itself — endlessly.
“Cameroon is a young country led by a man older than our democracy itself,” one youth activist posted on X (formerly Twitter), reflecting the sentiment that Biya’s re-election symbolizes more stagnation than stability.
Unrest Beneath the Surface
The latest election took place amid deep political divides and regional unrest. In the country’s Anglophone regions, separatist tensions continue to simmer. Economic inequality, youth unemployment, and inflation have only fueled frustration.
Despite these challenges, Biya remains a master of political survival — blending patronage, control of state institutions, and selective repression to maintain power. His ruling party dismissed all opposition claims as “baseless attempts to destabilize Cameroon’s peace.”
The Legacy Question
Analysts say Biya’s new term may be less about leadership and more about legacy. As the world’s oldest president, his continued rule highlights the broader African dilemma: leaders who outlive their political eras. While some admire his steadiness, others see a nation held hostage by its own history.
The real test for Cameroon, observers warn, will be what happens after Biya — whenever that moment comes. For now, the man known as “the Sphinx” of Yaoundé remains unmoved, watching as time itself bends to his political will.
Key Takeaways
- Paul Biya, aged 92, is the world’s oldest president in 2025.
- Has ruled Cameroon since 1982 — now entering his 8th consecutive term.
- Vote share: Biya 53.66%, Issa Tchiroma Bakary 35.19%.
- Voter turnout: 57.7%.
- 70% of Cameroonians under 35 — most have never known another leader.