CAMEROONIAN President, Pa Paul Biya, is indeed a remarkable figure, holding the record as the world’s oldest head of state at 92 years old. With an impressive, albeit contentious, 43-year tenure as president, he’s also the longest-serving national leader and Africa’s second-longest-ruling president.¹
Biya’s journey to the presidency began when he took over from President Ahmadou Ahidjo in 1982. Initially, he served as Prime Minister under Ahidjo from 1975 to 1982.
His rise to power was marked by a mix of loyalty and strategic manoeuvring, including eliminating potential rivals during a staged coup attempt in 1983-1984.
Despite facing opposition and criticism, Biya has maintained a firm grip on power. He’s been re-elected several times, although the elections have been marred by allegations of fraud and irregularities. His regime has been described as authoritarian, with Biya holding sweeping executive and legislative powers.
At 92, he’s ready to run for the 2025 presidential election come October. If he wins, he’ll serve another seven-year term, taking him to 99 years old and marking 50 years in office.
Eighteen-Eleven Media