-At 92, Africa’s oldest ruler extends his 43-year presidency amid growing frustration over corruption, failing infrastructure, and political stagnation.
By Burnett Munthali
YAOUNDÉ — President Paul Biya has secured another seven-year term, extending his rule to more than four decades after winning 53.66 percent of the vote in Cameroon’s recent presidential election.
The 92-year-old leader, in power since 1982, defeated opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary, who obtained 35 percent of the vote, according to official results released by the electoral commission. The Constitutional Council is expected to confirm the outcome in the coming days.
Supporters of Biya’s Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM) celebrated in Yaoundé and Douala, calling his victory a sign of stability and continuity. But for many Cameroonians, the result underscores what critics describe as an entrenched system of control, corruption, and neglect.
Concerns Over Electoral Credibility
Opposition parties and civil society organizations denounced what they called a flawed process, alleging intimidation of voters, restricted media access, and bias in the management of the polls.
International observers offered mixed reactions, with some praising technical improvements but others noting the absence of genuine competition.
“The election was decided long before ballots were cast,” said one local observer in Douala. “State resources and institutions remain tools of the ruling party.”
Infrastructure in Decline
Biya’s reelection comes as Cameroon faces mounting infrastructure challenges.
Across major cities, roads are in poor condition, hospitals lack basic equipment, and frequent power cuts disrupt daily life. Water shortages, especially in urban centers like Yaoundé and Bafoussam, have become common.
Projects once touted as symbols of modernization — including the Kribi port, Lom-Pangar dam, and major highway corridors — have been delayed, underfunded, or marred by corruption scandals. Critics say government spending often benefits political loyalists rather than national development.
“Cameroon’s infrastructure mirrors its governance — aging, inefficient, and riddled with leaks,” said an economist at the University of Yaoundé II.
Persistent Corruption and Mismanagement
Transparency International consistently ranks Cameroon among Africa’s most corrupt countries.
State audits have revealed billions lost through embezzlement in public works, health procurement, and energy contracts. Yet few high-level officials face consequences.
Public frustration is rising as youth unemployment remains high and living standards stagnate. Despite abundant natural resources, the economy is hampered by bureaucracy, insecurity, and mismanagement.
A Fragile Peace Under Strain
In the Anglophone Northwest and Southwest regions, the long-running conflict between separatist groups and government forces continues to claim lives.
Human rights groups accuse security forces of arbitrary arrests, extrajudicial killings, and burning of villages. The government insists it is restoring order, but reconciliation efforts have stalled.
For a region in conflict, that the election results strongly favored President Biya is a strong sign of how flawed the elections were , said a political analyst.
An Aging Leader and Uncertain Future
Biya, who rarely appears in public, is Africa’s oldest sitting head of state. He is believed to spend long periods governing from his private residence or abroad. His advanced age and health have fueled speculation about succession, but the ruling elite has remained silent on the issue.
“Young people feel excluded from decision-making,” said political analyst Fombon Ndedi. “There is no clear transition plan, and that uncertainty is dangerous.”
Looking Ahead
As Biya begins his eighth term, he faces a daunting list of challenges: economic stagnation, collapsing public services, the Anglophone conflict, and growing international scrutiny over corruption and human rights.
For many Cameroonians, however, hopes for reform are low.
After 43 years in power, Biya’s leadership remains synonymous with endurance — but also with a country stuck in time, where aging institutions and unfulfilled promises weigh heavily on a restless generation.
