Supporters are set to honor Cameroonian President Paul Biya’s 42-year tenure on Wednesday with rallies, special broadcasts, and calls for an eighth term in office.
The 91-year-old leader recently returned to Cameroon after a six-week absence, which had fueled speculation about his health. His supporters are now rallying to show strong allegiance.
“Let us unite behind President Paul Biya to ensure Cameroon’s stability and progress,” urged Jean Nkuete, Secretary General of the Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (RDPC), in a letter to party members. Published as part of the celebration preparations, the letter praised Biya’s “remarkable achievements” and dismissed recent speculation about his health.
“The Cameroonian people are deeply respectful of age and leadership,” Nkuete added, encouraging party members to support Biya if he seeks re-election next October.
RDPC branches have already responded enthusiastically. In the western region, activists signed a petition calling on “all Cameroonians, regardless of political differences, to support President Biya’s candidacy.” In Ebolowa, the screening of a documentary on Biya’s leadership featured Higher Education Minister Jacques Fame Ndongo, who openly requested that Biya consider running again.
A Reserved Leader
True to his tradition of silence on succession, Biya has made no comment on his future plans and has not named a successor. Speculation continues, especially following his absence after a China-Africa summit in early September. While rumors circulated about his health, officials reassured the public on October 8 that Biya was well and working from Switzerland. He returned to Cameroon on October 21, greeted by a warm reception from RDPC leaders and his wife, Chantal.
Since his return, Biya has signed multiple decrees, including new military appointments, as a demonstration of his continued leadership, according to supporters. Deputy Secretary of RDPC Gregoire Owona recently affirmed on CRTV that the president is “actively working for the nation.”
Images released by the presidency last week show Biya meeting Gabon’s high commissioner, with state media portraying him as engaged in his “intense” diplomatic responsibilities.
CRTV chief Charles Ndongo, reflecting on Biya’s longevity as one of the world’s longest-serving leaders, attributed it to a unique combination of “absence, distance, and silence.”