President Paul Biya of Cameroon announced last week that he plans to run for an eighth term, which could see him remain in power until he reaches the age of 100.
At 92, Biya is the world’s oldest serving president.
Posting on his X account, Biya said he intends to run in the upcoming elections scheduled for October this year—a declaration that has surprised many Africans who doubt whether he still has the capacity to lead the country.
Opposition groups have long argued that Biya, who has ruled Cameroon for 43 years, should step down, citing his advanced age and detachment from national affairs.
Notably, Biya rarely appears in public and has been known to spend much of his time in Switzerland, where he resides.
Last year, rumors of Biya’s death spread widely, prompting the Cameroonian government to ban any public discussions about his health.
Many Africans say that “Cameroon’s army is very tolerant—because in other African countries, Biya would have been ousted long ago.”
However, despite media and social media attention focused on Biya’s age, he is not the only senior figure in Cameroon’s leadership. At least six top-ranking officials are his age-mates.
Among them is General René Claude Meka, the 86-year-old Chief of Defense Staff, who has held the position since 2001—a 24-year tenure.
Cameroon’s police chief is even older: Martin Mbarga Nguélé is 93 and has been Police Chief since 2010. He also serves as an advisor to the presidency.
Senate President Marcel Niat Njifenji, age 90 (turning 91), has led the Senate since 2013.
The Speaker of the National Assembly, Cavayé Yeguié Djibril, is 85 and has been in office since 2012.
Justice Minister Laurent Esso, 83, has served since December 2011.
Meanwhile, Constitutional Court President Clément Atangana, aged 84, has been in his role since 2018.
Martin Mbarga Nguélé, 93 – Inspector General of Police
Marcel Niat Njifenji, 90 – President of the Senate
Laurent Esso, 83 – Minister of Justice
Cavayé Yeguié Djibril, 85 – Speaker of the National Assembly
Clément Atangana, 84 – President of the Constitutional Council
Paul Biya, 92 – Running for reelection in October
General René Claude Meka, 86 – Chief of Defense Staff since 2001
