Biya, who abolished presidential term limits in 2008, revealed his plan to run for an eighth term in a statement posted on his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Sunday, July 13.
“I am a candidate in the presidential election. Rest assured that my determination to serve you matches the urgency of the challenges we face,” the post read.
Biya, who has ruled Cameroon since 1982 following the resignation of his predecessor Ahmadou Ahidjo, could remain in power into his late 90s if re-elected. His bid for another term had been widely expected but had not been confirmed until now.
The announcement is likely to reignite debate over his health and fitness for office. Biya rarely makes public appearances and often delegates responsibilities to his powerful chief of staff. Speculation over his health intensified last year when he disappeared from public view for 42 days. Although the government insisted he was in good health, it banned public discussion of the matter, citing national security concerns.
During Biya's long rule, Cameroon has grappled with economic instability, separatist tensions, and regional insecurity. Despite these challenges, the president remains a dominant political force, bolstered by decades of centralized power and a weakened opposition.
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