Paul Biya

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.