Paul Biya has been at the helm of Cameroon for over four decades, making him Africa’s longest-serving president and the world’s oldest serving head of state at 92.
Born on February 13, 1933, in Mvomeka’a, French Cameroon, Biya first became President on November 6, 1982, following the surprise resignation of his predecessor, Ahmadou Ahidjo.
Before assuming the presidency, he served as Prime Minister from 1975 to 1982, building his political experience and influence.
Biya leads the Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (RDPC) and has survived political turbulence, including a coup attempt in April 1984.
He faced increasing pressure for democratic reforms in the early 1990s, eventually legalising opposition parties in 1990. Two years later, he won the country’s first multiparty election with 40% of the vote, consolidating his grip on power.
In 2008, he removed presidential term limits through a constitutional amendment, further extending his presidency.
Biya’s political longevity has made him the world’s longest consecutively serving non-royal leader. His leadership style has earned him the title of Grand Master of the National Orders.
On October 27, 2025, he won his eighth presidential term, securing 53.7% of the vote. Married twice, he has been with his current wife, Chantal Vigouroux, since 1994.
Paul Biya’s enduring presidency reflects a complex mix of political manoeuvring, resilience, and adaptation, securing his position in Cameroonian history and on the global stage as a symbol of longevity in political leadership.
