Cameroon’s 92-Year-Old President Paul Biya Launches Re-election Campaign with First Public Appearance

Cameroon’s 92-year-old President Paul Biya made his first major campaign appearance on Monday as he seeks an unprecedented eighth term in office, maintaining his position as the world’s oldest head of state.

With just five days before the national vote, Biya — who has ruled Cameroon since 1982 — addressed supporters at a stadium in Maroua, in the Far North region, according to AFP journalists. The rally marked his first public appearance since May.

“My determination to serve you remains intact,” Biya told the crowd of several hundred supporters from the ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM). “I ask you once again for your precious support.”

In his 25-minute speech, Biya emphasized youth empowerment, women’s development, and infrastructure. “My goal is for every young person, wherever they are, to easily find a job or start a business. No young person, whether they are a graduate or not, will be left behind,” he said.

Although organizers claimed about 25,000 people were expected at the rally, AFP correspondents estimated that only a few hundred attended.

Maroua, located near the borders of Nigeria and Chad, is a critical electoral battleground with 1.22 million registered voters but remains prone to Boko Haram insurgent attacks.

Meanwhile, opposition leader Maurice Kamto — whose candidacy was rejected in August — urged citizens “to vote freely” following the collapse of efforts to present a unified opposition front.

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