Cameroonian President Paul Biya turns 92, marking nearly 43 years in power and ranking as Africa’s oldest leader. His tenure has seen political stagnation, economic challenges, and a crisis in governance. Despite election manipulations, he continues to hold absolute power, making him a unique figure in contemporary leadership.
Cameroonian President Paul Biya, celebrating his 92nd birthday on February 13, 2025, has become a fixture in global politics, known for his lengthy nearly 43-year presidency. Emerging from Mvomeka’a, South Cameroon, he is Africa’s oldest elected leader, following only Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea in terms of longevity in office. Biya’s rule has extended beyond several generations of world leaders, from Ronald Reagan to Donald Trump.
Biya’s ascendance to power began under the regime of Cameroon’s inaugural president, Ahmadou Ahidjo. He advanced through government ranks, becoming Prime Minister in 1975. Following Ahidjo’s unexpected resignation in 1982, Biya seized power. A failed coup in 1984 allowed him to further consolidate control, effectively eliminating his political rivals.
Even though he adapted multiparty democracy in the 1990s due to international pressure, Biya has faced none of the genuine electoral competition expected in such a system. His early victories in 1984 and 1988 were uncontested, and allegations of fraud marred the landmark multiparty election in 1992. Since then, every election he has “won” has been clouded by accusations of manipulation and suppression of dissent.
At the age of 92, Biya’s record reflects political stagnation and theatrical governance. His administration is marked by significant economic mismanagement, deepening corruption, and a deteriorating Anglophone crisis characterized by violence from separatist factions. Furthermore, his frequent absences, often residing in luxury Swiss hotels, have led to perceptions of absentee leadership, leaving tasks to a small group of unelected officials.
Significantly, most Cameroonians under 42 have never experienced leadership other than Biya’s. In fact, he is older than Cameroon itself, which gained independence in 1960. As many African nations pivot towards youthful and reformist leadership, Biya’s long tenure highlights Cameroon’s status as a representation of gerontocracy, often discussed as a symbol of stagnation in global dialogues regarding governance.
As other leaders retire or pass away, Biya’s continued rule raises the question of whether he will ever relinquish power voluntarily. The global community observes closely as Cameroonians await changes, unsure of their leader’s intentions.
The article underscores President Paul Biya’s unprecedented tenure as Cameroon’s ruler, emphasizing the implications of his extended leadership on the nation’s socio-political landscape. It highlights issues of economic mismanagement, corruption, and the impact on younger generations who have only known Biya as their president. The discourse surrounding his leadership elevates Cameroon’s profile in global discussions of governance and age in politics, questioning the sustainability of such prolonged rule.
Original Source: www.cameroon-concord.com
