Cameroon’s 92-Year-Old President Paul Biya Returns To Campaign

Cameroon’s incumbent president, Paul Biya, made his first major public appearance in the ongoing election campaign on Monday, as he seeks an eighth consecutive term. Biya, 92, has been in power since 1982, making him the world’s oldest sitting head of state.

The event took place in Maroua, a key city in the Far North region, and marked his first public outing since May of this year. Hundreds of supporters from the ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement attended the rally, demonstrating the president’s continued political presence despite his advanced age.

Campaign Focus and Public Engagement

During the rally, Biya addressed issues central to his campaign, including youth employment, women’s empowerment, and infrastructure development. The president emphasized the need for economic opportunities for young people and highlighted plans for inclusive development that target all segments of society.

Organizers had anticipated a crowd of around 25,000, but AFP correspondents on the ground estimated that only a few hundred attended the rally. Analysts noted that the modest turnout could indicate voter fatigue and skepticism over the country’s political direction after more than four decades under Biya’s leadership.

The rally in Maroua, close to the borders with Nigeria and Chad, was strategically important due to its large electorate of over 1.2 million registered voters. The region has faced recurring security challenges from Boko Haram insurgents, which have historically disrupted political and civic activities.

Despite these challenges, Biya’s campaign proceeded, signalling a determination to maintain visibility in all key regions ahead of the election.

Political Tensions Ahead of the Vote

The political environment in Cameroon remains tense, with opposition figures voicing concerns over electoral fairness. Maurice Kamto, an opposition leader whose candidacy was rejected in August, has encouraged citizens to exercise their right to vote freely. Efforts to unify opposition candidates ahead of the elections failed, leaving the ruling party in a strong position.

International observers, including the United Nations, have raised concerns about restrictions on political activities and media coverage in the lead-up to the vote. Civil society groups have highlighted challenges such as youth unemployment, economic inequality, and tensions in English-speaking regions as critical issues that need attention regardless of election outcomes.

As Cameroon approaches its national elections, President Biya’s continued presence on the campaign trail underscores his intent to secure another term, maintaining one of Africa’s longest-running presidencies.

The country now faces the dual challenge of conducting a credible election while addressing persistent socio-economic and security issues that have shaped its political landscape over decades.