By Emeka Blast 
At 92, Paul Biya Named Oldest Political Leader in the World
Cameroon’s President Paul Biya, aged 92, has been named the world’s oldest serving head of state, leading a list of global political leaders who continue to wield power well into their later years, according to a recent ranking by Statista. Biya, who has ruled Cameroon since 1982, announced his candidacy for an eighth term in the October 2025 presidential election, potentially extending his tenure to nearly 50 years by age 99. His enduring leadership, marked by controversy and an iron grip on power, underscores a trend of aging leaders dominating politics, particularly in Africa.
Biya, born in 1933 in Mvomeka’a, Cameroon, has been a towering figure since succeeding Ahmadou Ahidjo, consolidating power through a mix of political maneuvering and constitutional changes, including the abolition of term limits in 2008. Despite criticism for authoritarianism, corruption, and prolonged absences abroad, Biya retains strong support within his Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM), with some loyalists claiming his rule ensures stability. However, opposition figures like Maurice Kamto and human rights lawyer Felix Agbor Nkongho argue his 43-year reign has stifled democratic progress, with X posts like @MissPearls noting his frequent stays in Europe as evidence of an “absentee landlord.”
Other notable leaders on the list include:
- Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, 89, King of Saudi Arabia, whose ceremonial role contrasts with his significant influence over the kingdom’s oil-driven policies. His health has sparked succession debates, yet he remains a key figure in Middle Eastern geopolitics.
- Mahmoud Abbas, 89, President of the Palestinian Authority, who has led since 2005 but faces criticism for delaying elections and governing without a clear mandate.
- Yoweri Museveni, 80, President of Uganda, in power since 1986, recently launched his own re-election bid, drawing parallels to Biya’s longevity.
- Narendra Modi, 74, India’s Prime Minister, whose dynamic leadership contrasts with his age, overseeing a rapidly growing economy.
- Xi Jinping, 72, and Vladimir Putin, 72, leaders of China and Russia, respectively, both consolidating power with no clear succession plans.
The list highlights a global phenomenon of aging leaders, with Africa hosting over half of the world’s longest-serving non-royal heads of state. Critics, like Cameroon’s Kah Walla, argue that leaders like Biya prioritize power over progress, with 80% of Cameroon’s workforce informally employed and a third living on less than $2 daily. Social media reactions on X, such as @cobbo3’s quip about Biya cutting his birthday cake in Europe, reflect growing frustration with gerontocracy. Conversely, supporters like Antoine Nkoa claim Biya’s mandate is “divine.”
