Paul Biya's Tenure in Cameroon

Paul Biya, one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders, has been president of Cameroon since November 6, 1982, following a 43-year tenure as of 2025. His presidency, spanning over four decades, has shaped Cameroon’s political, social, and economic landscape, earning both praise and criticism. This article explores the key aspects of Biya’s rule, including his rise to power, governance style, achievements, controversies, and the ongoing challenges facing Cameroon under his leadership.

Rise to Power

Born on February 13, 1933, in Mvomeka’a, a small village in southern Cameroon, Paul Biya emerged from humble beginnings. Educated in Cameroon and later in France, where he studied law and political science at prestigious institutions like the Sorbonne, Biya returned to Cameroon with a strong academic foundation. He entered politics in the 1960s under President Ahmadou Ahidjo, Cameroon’s first post-independence leader. Biya held various high-ranking positions, including Minister of State and Prime Minister, before Ahidjo unexpectedly resigned in 1982, naming Biya as his successor.

Biya’s ascent was initially seen as a continuation of Ahidjo’s legacy, but tensions soon arose. In 1984, an attempted coup by Ahidjo loyalists challenged Biya’s authority, but he consolidated power by suppressing the rebellion and restructuring the government. This marked the beginning of his firm grip on Cameroon’s political system.

Governance and Political System

Biya’s presidency operates within a centralized, authoritarian framework. Cameroon is a unitary republic with a strong executive presidency, granting Biya significant control over state institutions. His party, the Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM), has dominated politics since its formation in 1985, consistently winning legislative and presidential elections. Biya himself has secured re-election in every vote since 1982, with his most recent victory in 2018, where he won 71% of the vote.

Critics argue that Biya’s prolonged rule has stifled democracy. Elections have often been marred by allegations of fraud, voter intimidation, and media censorship. Opposition parties, such as the Social Democratic Front (SDF), have struggled to gain traction due to restricted political space. Biya’s government has also been accused of limiting press freedom and cracking down on dissent, with arrests of activists and journalists reported frequently.

Achievements

Despite controversies, Biya’s tenure has seen notable achievements. His administration has prioritized stability in a region often plagued by conflict. Cameroon has avoided large-scale civil wars that have destabilized neighbors like the Central African Republic. Biya’s government has invested in infrastructure, including roads, schools, and hospitals, particularly in urban centers like Yaoundé and Douala. Economic growth, driven by sectors like agriculture, oil, and timber, has occurred, though unevenly distributed.

Biya has also positioned Cameroon as a key player in regional diplomacy. As a member of the African Union and the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), Cameroon has contributed to peacekeeping efforts and mediation in regional conflicts. Biya’s bilingual policy, balancing English and French as official languages, has been lauded as an attempt to unify Cameroon’s diverse linguistic and cultural groups, though implementation has faced challenges.

Challenges and Controversies

Biya’s long tenure has not been without significant challenges. The Anglophone Crisis, which began in 2016, remains a defining issue. Stemming from grievances over the marginalization of Cameroon’s English-speaking minority, the crisis has escalated into a violent conflict between separatists and government forces, displacing over 700,000 people and causing thousands of deaths. Biya’s response—deploying military forces and holding a national dialogue in 2019—has been criticized as insufficient to address root causes.

Economic stagnation is another concern. Despite natural resource wealth, Cameroon struggles with poverty, with over 37% of the population living below the poverty line as of recent estimates. Corruption is rampant, with Cameroon consistently ranking poorly on Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index. Biya’s government has faced accusations of mismanagement, with public funds allegedly diverted for personal gain by elites.

Biya’s age and health have also sparked debate. At 92 in 2025, he is one of the world’s oldest heads of state. His frequent absences from Cameroon, often for medical or personal reasons, have fueled speculation about his capacity to govern. The lack of a clear succession plan raises concerns about potential power vacuums.

Legacy and Future

Paul Biya’s tenure is a paradox of stability and stagnation. His ability to maintain power for over four decades reflects political acumen, but it has come at the cost of democratic freedoms and equitable development. The Anglophone Crisis, economic challenges, and governance issues remain unresolved, casting a shadow over his legacy. As Cameroon looks to the future, questions about succession and reform loom large. Whether Biya’s departure will usher in democratic renewal or further instability remains uncertain.

In conclusion, Paul Biya’s presidency is a complex chapter in Cameroon’s history. His contributions to stability and regional diplomacy are undeniable, but the persistent crises and governance shortcomings highlight the limits of his approach. As Cameroon navigates its challenges, the impact of Biya’s rule will shape its trajectory for years to come.