Cameroon’s president, the world’s oldest, likely faces election challenge from close allies
- Cameroon's longtime President Paul Biya, aged 92 and in power since 1982, faces likely election challenges from close allies ahead of October's vote.
- Two of Biya's close allies resigned ministerial posts and announced candidacies, signaling possible elite realignment amid ongoing separatist violence and corruption.
- Issa Tchiroma Bakary aims to hold a referendum on federalism while prioritizing youth employment, education, and agricultural modernization, challenging Biya's administration.
- In 2018, Biya won over 70% of the vote amid irregularities and low turnout caused by violence, and supporters question his ability to govern effectively.
- The upcoming election could mark a turning point, potentially ending Biya's decades-long rule as defectors promise a new political era from Cameroon's northern regions.
14 Articles
14 Articles
Political Shifts in Cameroon: New Era or More of the Same?
Longtime Cameroonian President Paul Biya faces potential challenges from former allies Bello Bouba Maigari and Issa Tchiroma Bakary as they resign and announce candidacies. Biya, 92, has ruled since 1982. The upcoming election could signify a change as both opponents hail from the north, highlighting regional dynamics in Cameroon's political landscape.

Cameroon's president, the world's oldest, likely faces election challenge from close allies
Cameroon’s President Paul Biya faces an election challenge from two close allies who recently resigned and announced their candidacy.
Cameroon's Bakary launches challenge to Biya in political shake-up
A long-time ally of Cameroon's leader has quit the government to run for president in October elections — a defection that could reshape the West African nation's politics after more than four decades of Paul Biya's rule.
How can we succeed in the political recomposition within the RDPC of Paul Biya? Yaoundé's power wants to initiate Cameroonian responses to the issues at stake in the October 2025 presidential elections. Less than four months from the presidential election of October 2025, the Democratic Rally of the Cameroonian People (RDPC) has to deal with an unprecedented situation. The candidacy of Issa Chiroma Bakary, followed by that of Bello Bouba Maigari…
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