يترشح لولاية ثامنة.. من هو أقدم رئيس في العالم؟

The President of Cameroon, Paul Biya (92 years old), announced his candidacy for an eighth term, making him the longest-serving head of state in the world currently. He stated in a post on the "X" platform yesterday (Sunday): "I am a candidate for the presidential elections that will be held on October 12, 2025. Rest assured that my determination to serve you matches the serious challenges we face."

Biya has been in power since 1982 and previously held the position of Prime Minister since 1975. He and his wife spend most of their time in Switzerland.

Last year, speculation about his health was officially banned in Cameroon, which has a population of about 30 million. Although Cameroon is officially a multi-party democracy, opposition parties, civil society, and press freedom face restrictions.

The opposition accused the government of manipulating the previous elections in 2018, after official results showed Biya receiving 71% of the votes, while his closest competitor received 14%.

It is worth noting that Cameroon was previously a German colony and was divided between France and Britain after World War I.

Since 2017, a violent conflict between the French-speaking and English-speaking regions of the country has resulted in the deaths of at least 6,500 people and the displacement of around 600,000.

Recently, several of Biya's former allies have defected, announcing their candidacy for the presidency.