Cameroon’s presidential campaign has entered full swing ahead of the October 12 elections, but incumbent President Paul Biya was noticeably absent as rivals rallied supporters.
The 92-year-old leader, the world’s oldest head of state who has ruled since 1982, is seeking an eighth term in office. However, he left the country a week ago on what his office described as a “private trip” to Europe. Diplomatic sources said Biya is in Geneva.
Campaigning began Saturday and continued Sunday with opposition figures leading public rallies.
Cabral Libii, candidate of the Cameroon Party for National Reconciliation (PCRN), addressed supporters under light rain in Douala, the nation’s economic hub.
Former tourism minister Bello Bouba Maigari also drew hundreds of supporters at his rally, bolstered by backing from former candidate Akere Muna, who has since withdrawn from the race.
In total, 12 candidates were cleared to contest, including Biya, who last directly addressed Cameroonians on July 13 when he announced his candidacy on X (formerly Twitter).
Despite widespread criticism and internal dissent, Biya remains the frontrunner, largely due to a fragmented opposition.
His campaign faced an awkward moment on September 17 when his daughter, Brenda Biya, posted a video on TikTok urging people to reject her father. She later deleted the video and issued an apology.
With the president absent from the public eye and rivals gaining ground, the campaign is shaping up as a test of Biya’s decades-long grip on power.
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