Cameroonian President Paul Biya has reached his 41st year in power, taking the reins in 1982. While thousands gathered in the capital, Yaoundé, last year to commemorate the occasion, the president did not attend the event.
Many members of the ruling Democratic Rally of the Cameroonian People (RDPC) are urging him to run for an eighth 7-year term in the 2025 presidential election.
In contrast, critics of his regime, some of whom wore black on Sunday, have voiced concerns about issues like corruption, poor governance, and an ongoing succession battle.
Paul Biya, who celebrated his 90th birthday last February, is Africa’s second-longest serving leader. During his time in office, Cameroon has faced challenges, including a secessionist movement in the English-speaking regions and threats from Islamic extremists in the north linked to the Nigeria-based Boko Haram group.
Biya last won a presidential election in 2018.
