Cameroon's 92-year-old leader Paul Biya announced the presidential election date for October 12 on Friday. The veteran ruler has controlled the west African nation for more than four decades. Death rumors about the frequently ill president circulated last year before officials stepped forward to deny them. Biya remains Africa's second longest-serving head of state after Equatorial Guinea's Teodoro Obiang. His advanced age and poor health have sparked speculation about whether he will seek another term.
The longtime president's rule has brought serious problems to Cameroon. Government corruption allegations have plagued his administration throughout the years. A violent separatist uprising in English-speaking regions has forced thousands of children from schools. Security forces have clashed repeatedly with rebels in deadly confrontations. Boko Haram militants from Nigeria have also spilled violence across the border.
Several key allies recently abandoned Biya to launch their presidential campaigns. Tourism minister Bello Bouba Maigari quit his post last week to run for president. Employment minister Issa Tchiroma Bakary also resigned to pursue the top job. Both former cabinet members believe they can replace the aging leader. Biya has hinted at accepting his party's requests for another campaign.
The 2018 election saw Biya win over 70 percent of votes despite widespread irregularities. Low voter turnout plagued that contest because of ongoing violence. Uganda's Yoweri Museveni recently sought a seventh term in office. African leaders across the region face accusations of manipulating state power to extend their rule. Democratic space continues shrinking throughout the continent.
The longtime president's rule has brought serious problems to Cameroon. Government corruption allegations have plagued his administration throughout the years. A violent separatist uprising in English-speaking regions has forced thousands of children from schools. Security forces have clashed repeatedly with rebels in deadly confrontations. Boko Haram militants from Nigeria have also spilled violence across the border.
Several key allies recently abandoned Biya to launch their presidential campaigns. Tourism minister Bello Bouba Maigari quit his post last week to run for president. Employment minister Issa Tchiroma Bakary also resigned to pursue the top job. Both former cabinet members believe they can replace the aging leader. Biya has hinted at accepting his party's requests for another campaign.
The 2018 election saw Biya win over 70 percent of votes despite widespread irregularities. Low voter turnout plagued that contest because of ongoing violence. Uganda's Yoweri Museveni recently sought a seventh term in office. African leaders across the region face accusations of manipulating state power to extend their rule. Democratic space continues shrinking throughout the continent.
