• Paul Biya, at 92, announces his candidacy for an eighth term in the upcoming October elections.
• His leadership has drawn criticism for corruption and governance issues over 43 years in power.
• Mixed public reactions indicate some support and calls for political renewal.

Cameroon's long-serving president, Paul Biya, has officially announced his intention to run for re-election in the presidential vote scheduled for October 12, 2025. In a post on social media, Biya expressed, "I am a candidate in the presidential election... Rest assured that my determination to serve you matches the urgency of the challenges we face," thus confirming expectations about his political future. Biya's announcement comes amid ongoing speculation about his health, especially after he previously disappeared from public view for 42 days last year, raising concerns about his age and fitness for office, as stated by Reuters and South China Morning Post.

Biya, who has been in power since 1982, is the world's oldest head of state and his administration has faced criticism for issues related to governance, corruption, and ongoing security concerns. His decision to seek another term has sparked reactions from various quarters: some supporters, particularly in Yaoundé, express unwavering loyalty stating they view him as "the best president," while others call for a new generation of leadership, emphasizing a need for democratic change, as reported by Africa News and Al Jazeera.

Political dynamics are rapidly shifting as notable former allies, including former Prime Minister Bello Bouba Maigari and Employment Minister Issa Tchiroma Bakary, have distanced themselves from Biya's Cameroon People's Democratic Movement. They have announced plans to run independently, indicating an increasingly competitive election landscape. This division within Biya's coalition, combined with increasing opposition calls for unity against the incumbent, sets the stage for a potentially contentious election, according to BBC and Africa News.