Paul Biya at 92: Still Ruling, Still Unbothered, Still Not Retiring
In a move that shocked absolutely no one, Cameroon’s President Paul Biya, who has been in power longer than some African countries have had independence, hinted he might not be ready to hang up his presidential hat.
During his end-of-year address, the almost 92-year-old leader gave a cryptic warning that 2025, the year of the next presidential elections, would be “full of challenges.” Observers quickly decoded this as Biya-speak for “Y’all aren’t getting rid of me yet.”
To spice things up, Biya claimed he was listening to the “cries” of his party members—because apparently, the Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM) is on its knees begging him to stay. Considering this is the same party that rewrote its constitution to make him their eternal candidate, it’s hard to tell if these are genuine cries or just another day in the propaganda factory.
Let’s not forget, Biya’s CV as president could put the Guinness World Records to shame. Forty years in power and counting, Biya has outlasted eight French presidents, seven British prime ministers, and half the hairstyles in Beyoncé’s career. While most 92-year-olds are mastering the art of Sudoku or gardening, Biya seems to be playing a never-ending game of “Guess who’s still president?”
But it’s not all smooth sailing for the veteran leader. Over the decades, his administration has been riddled with controversies. From allegations of election rigging to accusations of governing from a luxury suite in Switzerland, Biya’s reign has had more twists and turns than a Nollywood blockbuster. And who could forget the internet shutdowns in Anglophone regions or the handling of the separatist crisis? Yet, here he is, still standing—well, figuratively, since he’s rarely seen in public.
