By Wilson Musa
Since President Paul Biya announced on July 13 via social media that he would seek an eighth term in office during the October 2025 presidential election, questions about what he has to offer Cameroonians have remained largely unanswered.
At 93, Biya has not directly addressed the public on his vision or campaign program. His last public speech dates back to February 10, during the Youth Day celebrations, fueling speculation about his fitness to campaign. The president was last seen on August 29, when he received the outgoing French Ambassador to Cameroon, Thierry Marchand, for a 90-minute farewell audience at the Unity Palace.
Meanwhile, opposition parties are actively presenting their political programs in a bid to win public trust, Biya’s communication has remained limited to unusual posts on social media.
Since April 2025, the president has increased his digital presence on platforms such as X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook, a new approach for a leader often criticized for his silence.
Still, doubts linger about his ability to govern for another seven years. Civil society actors, opposition leaders, and sections of the public have questioned whether his prolonged absences and limited public appearances are compatible with the demands of leadership.
Mid August, the Constitutional Council dismissed a petition filed by presidential candidate Akere Muna challenging Biya’s eligibility to run. After the ruling, Muna declared that the petition had been based on ” precise, documented, and undeniable facts prolonged absences, failure to preside over constitutional institutions, problematic public appearances…”
Biya’s capacity to continue ruling has also become a subject of international debate and even mockery, since his re-election bid was announced. On August 1, he appointed a campaign team to prepare for the upcoming polls, but he has yet to unveil a manifesto or directly engage voters.
For now, speculation grows as Cameroonians await clarity on what the incumbent president plans to deliver if re-elected.
