Cameroon’s President Paul Biya made his first major appearance of the election campaign on Monday as he seeks an eighth consecutive term in office, maintaining his position as the world’s oldest serving head of state at 92 years old.
With just five days before the vote, Biya addressed supporters of the Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM) at a stadium in Maroua, located in the Far North region. It was his first public appearance since May, according to AFP journalists present at the rally.
“My determination to serve you remains intact,” Biya told the crowd. “I ask you once again for your precious support.”
In his 25-minute speech, the longtime leader emphasized youth empowerment, women’s development, and infrastructure expansion. “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 declared.
Despite organizers claiming that about 25,000 people were expected to attend, AFP correspondents estimated only a few hundred showed up. The event took place in a region often affected by Boko Haram attacks, which may have influenced turnout.
Meanwhile, opposition figure Maurice Kamto, whose candidacy was rejected in August, urged citizens “to vote freely” following the collapse of efforts to form a unified opposition front.
What you should know
Paul Biya has ruled Cameroon since 1982, making him one of the world’s longest-serving leaders.
His latest campaign underscores a desire to extend his more than four-decade rule, even as political tension, youth unemployment, and regional insecurity continue to shape the nation’s political landscape.
