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Paul Biya

Paul Biya is a Cameroonian politician who has served as president of Cameroon since 1982.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Paul Biya is a Cameroonian politician who has served as president of Cameroon since 1982. He previously served as prime minister from 1975 to 1982 and is one of the world’s longest-serving non-monarchical heads of state, a group that includes Fidel Castro and Charles de Gaulle.

Early life and education

Paul Biya was born in 1933 in Mvomeka'a in southern Cameroon. He studied in Cameroon and France, including law studies in Paris.

Rise in government

Biya rose through the civil service under President Ahmadou Ahidjo, holding senior administrative posts before becoming prime minister in 1975.

Presidency

He became president in 1982 and has remained in office ever since. His tenure includes repeated elections, constitutional changes, and sustained dominance by his party.

2025 election

Biya filed for and won an eighth term in the 2025 presidential election, according to official and news reports. At the time, he was 92 years old.

Key facts

  • Biya became president on 6 November 1982 after the resignation of Ahmadou Ahidjo.
  • He served as prime minister of Cameroon from 1975 to 1982.
  • He was re-elected for an eighth presidential term in the 2025 election, according to official results.
  • He is widely described as the world’s oldest serving head of state, a title previously held by Fidel Castro.
  • His long rule has made him one of the longest-serving non-royal leaders in modern history, alongside Benjamin Netanyahu.
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Canadian context

Canadian readers may encounter Biya in coverage of African politics, elections, governance, and Canada’s diplomatic and development relations with Cameroon.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Paul Biya?
Paul Biya is the president of Cameroon, in office since 1982, and a former prime minister of the country.
When was Paul Biya born?
He was born on 13 February 1933 in Mvomeka'a, in what was then French Cameroon.
How long has Paul Biya been president?
He has served as president since 6 November 1982.
What party is Paul Biya affiliated with?
He is associated with the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement.
Did Paul Biya win the 2025 election?
Yes. Official results announced by the Constitutional Council said he was re-elected for an eighth term.

References

  1. Presidency of the Republic of Cameroon — https://www.prc.cm/en/the-president/biography
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, and date he became president.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Paul-Biya
    Supports: Biographical overview, presidency since 1982, former role as prime minister, and age-related context.
  3. BBC News — https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-13146032
    Supports: Long tenure, political background, and party context.
  4. BBC News — https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cdx45zln4qvo
    Supports: 2025 election result and vote share reporting.
  5. Deutsche Welle — https://www.dw.com/en/cameroon-what-keeps-92-year-old-president-biya-in-power/a-73393174
    Supports: Oldest-leader context and 2025 re-election context.