Paul Biya, 92, Votes to Extend Rule to Historic 50 Years!

Reported by Marian Opeyemi Fasesan | Sele Media Africa

Cameroon’s President Paul Biya, now 92 years old, has officially cast his vote in the country’s latest presidential election — a move that, if successful, would extend his rule to a historic 50 years in office.

A 50-Year Reign in Sight:

• Biya, who first assumed office on November 6, 1982, is already Africa’s longest-ruling head of state (excluding monarchs).
• With this new 7-year term bid, his presidency would stretch to 2032, marking five full decades in power.
• This development places him among the world’s longest-serving leaders, alongside late figures like Cuba’s Fidel Castro and Libya’s Muammar Gaddafi.

Nation Divided:

• Supporters argue that Biya’s extended leadership has ensured stability in a volatile region, particularly amid separatist tensions in Cameroon’s Anglophone zones.
• Critics, however, view his prolonged rule as a symbol of democratic backsliding, with growing frustrations among youth over economic stagnation, unemployment, and lack of political renewal.
• The opposition has long called for constitutional reforms to enforce age and term limits, to no avail.

Public Sentiment:

• Many Cameroonians under 40 have lived their entire lives under Biya’s presidency.
• Social media has been buzzing with reactions, with hashtags like #Biya50 and #TimeForChange trending locally.

What’s Next:

• Official election results are expected within days, but Biya’s ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM) has maintained a strong grip on state institutions, making another victory likely.
• Regional observers and human rights groups are closely watching the post-election climate for any unrest or suppression of dissent.

Citations:

1. Reuters – www.reuters.com/world/africa
2. BBC Africa – www.bbc.com/africa
3. Jeune Afrique – www.jeuneafrique.com

About The Author