Paul Biya's Challenge: Keeping Power Amid Youth Discontent in Cameroon

Sat Oct 11 2025 19:11:54 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Cameroon's 92-year-old President Paul Biya faces fierce competition from younger candidates as he seeks to secure an eighth consecutive term in an election marked by rising youth unemployment and calls for political change.

As the world's oldest serving president, Paul Biya, 92, campaigns for an eighth term in Cameroon amidst widespread youth discontent and significant economic challenges. Critics highlight his long tenure and lack of engagement with pressing issues such as youth unemployment, particularly among the country’s youthful population, where over 40% face unemployment. Rival candidates are striving to present fresh alternatives, accentuating Biya's struggles to connect with younger voters in an election where political dynamics are shifting.

The world's oldest head of state - 92-year-old Paul Biya - has promised Cameroon's electorate the best is still to come as he seeks his eighth consecutive presidential term on Sunday.

The nonagenarian has already been in power since 1982 - another seven-year mandate could see him rule for 50 years until he will be almost 100.

He defied widespread calls to step down and has been criticized for only showing up for one rally, spending most of the campaign period on a 10-day private trip to Europe.

A backlash over his reliance on an AI-generated campaign video saw him rush north on his return home, where he addressed crowds of supporters in the vote-rich city of Maroua, particularly reaching out to women and young people, and promising to prioritize their plight in his next mandate.

Political analysts argue that Biya's long tenure has been about maintaining power rather than improving the living conditions for citizens, a sentiment echoed by young activists who feel tired of the status quo.

With political and economic instability fueled by concerns about inflation, security challenges, and escalating unemployment—affecting nearly 40% of youths—Biya faces stiff competition from younger candidates who are appealing to the frustrations of the electorate.

Additionally, in the English-speaking regions of Cameroon, where a separatist conflict has led to significant unrest, the electoral process is further complicated by threats of violence against voters, raising questions about the legitimacy of the upcoming elections.