Sun Jul 13 23:34:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the provided text and a rewrite as a news article suitable for an Indian audience, drawing from the “The Hindu” publication:
**Summary:**
Cameroon’s 92-year-old President Paul Biya, Africa’s second-longest-serving leader, has announced his intention to seek an eighth term in the upcoming October elections. This announcement, following months of speculation, signals a potential continuation of his 40-plus-year rule, despite concerns about his health, allegations of corruption, and ongoing challenges such as a secessionist movement in English-speaking regions and spillover violence from Boko Haram. His decision is met with criticism from human rights advocates calling for democratic change and renewal in the country. This situation is occurring within a wider context of shrinking democratic space in several African countries.
**News Article:**
**Cameroon’s Veteran President, 92, Eyes Eighth Term, Sparking Democratic Concerns**
*YAOUNDE, Cameroon –* In a move that has ignited debate about democratic transitions in Africa, Cameroon’s President Paul Biya, 92, has announced his candidacy for an unprecedented eighth term in the nation’s upcoming October elections. The announcement, made on Monday, puts an end to months of speculation surrounding the intentions of Africa’s second-longest-serving leader, who has been in power since 1982.
President Biya’s long tenure has been marked by periods of stability, but also by challenges including allegations of corruption, human rights concerns, and an ongoing secessionist conflict in the Anglophone regions of Cameroon. The country has also faced security threats stemming from the Boko Haram insurgency in neighboring Nigeria.
“Rest assured that my determination to serve you is commensurate with the serious challenges facing us,” Biya stated in a social media post, reiterating his commitment despite his advanced age and frequent absences from the country due to health issues.
However, the announcement has drawn sharp criticism from human rights advocates. “President Biya’s announcement to run again is a clear sign of Cameroon’s stalled political transition,” stated Nkongho Felix Agbor, a prominent lawyer and human rights advocate speaking to The Associated Press. “After over 40 years in power, what the country needs is renewal — not repetition. Cameroonians deserve democratic change and accountable leadership.”
The political landscape in Cameroon has seen recent shifts, with several of President Biya’s long-time allies defecting to contest the presidency themselves. The 2018 election saw Biya win with over 70% of the vote, but was marred by irregularities and low voter turnout due to ongoing violence.
The situation in Cameroon is reflective of broader trends in the region. Several other African nations are witnessing leaders accused of employing state mechanisms to prolong their time in office, raising concerns about the future of democratic governance on the continent. Similar to Cameroon, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni recently sought nomination for a seventh term, a move that would bring him closer to five decades in power in the East African country.
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