Paul Biya

Paul Biya is a leader in Cameroon.

He became the president in 1982. Before that, he was a prime minister. He worked for a leader named Ahmadou Ahidjo.

Some people say his rule is not fair. They say the votes are not always right. Many people have worked to change this. He has won many elections since he started. He is still the leader today.

Paul Biya is a leader in Cameroon.

He was born in 1933 in a village called Mvomeka'a. He studied law in France. In the 1960s, he worked for President Ahmadou Ahidjo. He rose through many jobs. By 1975, he was the prime minister.

In 1982, President Ahidjo resigned. This made Biya the new president. Later, a group tried to take power in a coup. This was a violent attempt to change the leader. Many people died during this time. Biya stayed in power. He also changed the rules to allow more parties in the 1990s.

Biya has won many elections. He won in 1992, 1997, 2004, 2011, 2018, and 2025. Some people and other nations say these votes were not fair. They say there was fraud. This means the results were changed. Biya is one of the longest-serving leaders in Africa. He is also the oldest current leader in the world.

Paul Biya is a very important political leader in Cameroon.

He has served as the country's president since 1982. This makes him the longest-serving non-royal leader in the world today. He is also the oldest current head of state on Earth. Many people call him a dictator because of how he rules. He has held onto power for many decades through many elections. His long time in office has shaped the history of Cameroon.

Biya's path to power happened through many different government jobs. He was born in the village of Mvomeka'a in 1933. He studied public law in France and graduated in 1961. In the 1960s, he worked closely with President Ahmadou Ahidjo. He first served as a secretary for the ministry of education. Later, he became the secretary-general of the presidency in 1968. By 1975, he was appointed as the prime minister.

In 1982, President Ahidjo resigned from his position quite suddenly. This allowed Biya to become the second president of Cameroon. Soon after, a difficult time began between the two leaders. A military coup attempt happened in April 1984. This was a violent attempt to change the government. Some reports say about 1,000 people died during this event. Biya survived the attempt and stayed in control of the country.

Biya has won many presidential elections over the years. He won in 1992, 1997, 2004, 2011, 2018, and 2025.

In 1992, he won with 40% of the vote. In 2025, he was re-elected for his eighth term. However, many people disagree with these election results. Opposition politicians and other nations have claimed there was fraud. They say the voting was not always fair or honest.

Cameroon also works with many other countries around the world. France is a major partner that helps train the military. China has also visited Cameroon for important meetings.

Biya also helped restore ties with Israel in 1986. Cameroon uses some equipment from Israel for its security forces. These connections help Cameroon interact with the global community. His leadership connects Cameroon to many different parts of the world.

Paul Barthélemy Biya is a prominent Cameroonian politician. He has served as the second president of Cameroon since 1982.

Biya is currently the longest-serving non-royal national leader in the world. He is also the second-longest-ruling president in Africa, following Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea. At his current age, he is also the oldest sitting head of state globally. Many observers classify his leadership as an authoritarian regime or a dictatorship.

Biya's rise to power began through his work as a high-level bureaucrat. He was born in 1933 in the village of Mvomeka'a. He studied public law in France and graduated in 1961. In the 1960s, he worked under President Ahmadou Ahidjo. He held several important roles, including Secretary-General of the Presidency. By 1975, Ahidjo appointed him as the prime minister. This appointment was notable because Biya is a Catholic from the south, while Ahidjo is a Muslim from the north.

In 1982, President Ahidjo resigned unexpectedly. This led to Biya becoming president on November 6, 1982. Shortly after, a deep political rift formed between the two men. Ahidjo eventually went into exile in France. In April 1984, Biya survived a military coup attempt. This attempt followed his decision to disband the Republican Guard. The coup resulted in significant loss of life. Government reports stated 71 people died, but other estimates reached 1,000 deaths.

Biya has maintained control through many presidential elections. He won the first multiparty election in 1992 with 40% of the vote. He was later re-elected in 1997, 2004, 2011, 2018, and 2025.

However, these elections have often been highly contentious. Opposition politicians and international observers have frequently alleged systemic electoral fraud. They claim that voting irregularities have occurred throughout his administration to favor his leadership.

To remain in power, Biya has made significant constitutional changes. In 1996, the Constitution included a limit of two presidential terms. However, Biya sought to change this rule. In 2008, the National Assembly voted to remove these term limits. This change allowed him to run for office again. The vote passed with 157 in favor and only five against. This move also granted the president immunity from prosecution for actions taken while in office.

Economic policies under Biya have also shaped Cameroon. His government adopted a structural adjustment plan. This plan was requested by the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. It involved the privatization of industries and increased competition. However, it also led to a 60% reduction in civil servants' salaries. This period saw a significant increase in the informal sector. In 2008, riots occurred due to high prices and demands for his departure. These protests resulted in approximately 100 deaths and thousands of arrests.

Cameroon maintains complex international relations under Biya's leadership. France is a primary foreign investor and provides military training. Some critics call this relationship neocolonialism.

Biya has also strengthened ties with China through state visits. In 1986, he resumed diplomatic relations with Israel. Cameroon now uses Israeli armored vehicles and receives training from Israel. This cooperation includes training for the Rapid Reaction Force. These global connections show how Cameroon interacts with many different world powers.