In a shocking political twist, Cameroon’s 92-year-old President Paul Biya has officially announced his bid for an unprecedented eighth term in office, just months before the elections scheduled for October. This revelation comes amid widespread speculation about his declining health and frequent absences from the country. Biya, Africa’s second-longest-serving leader, first took power in 1982 and has faced increasing scrutiny as the nation’s youth, with a median age of just 18, express their discontent on social media platforms.

Despite his advanced age and a presidency marked by controversy, Biya remains a formidable figure in Cameroonian politics. His announcement was met with a mix of resignation and ridicule from the younger population, many of whom took to TikTok and Twitter to create humorous content in response. Analysts note that the political landscape has been manipulated to stifle opposition, with potential challengers facing intimidation and imprisonment. Recent resignations from two of Biya’s ministers hint at a brewing challenge, but the climate of fear and repression makes open dissent perilous.

Biya’s social media post promising “the best is yet to come” raises more questions than answers, as the country grapples with soaring unemployment and a mass exodus of citizens seeking better opportunities abroad. Critics argue that after 42 years in power, Biya has little left to offer, yet his grip on power remains unyielding. As the nation braces for a contentious electoral season, the question looms: will Cameroon’s youthful population rally behind a leader who has long since outstayed his welcome, or will they rise to demand a new era of governance? The clock is ticking, and the stakes have never been higher.