You probably think of politics as a marathon, but for some leaders, it's more like a multi-decade residency that spans generations. Honestly, if you're looking for the man who holds the title, you have to look toward Central Africa. Specifically, Cameroon.
As of early 2026, Paul Biya is the oldest president in the world. He’s 92. Born in 1933, Biya has been at the helm of Cameroon since 1982. To put that into perspective, when he took office, the internet didn't really exist for the public, the Soviet Union was a superpower, and most of his current constituents weren't even born yet.
He recently secured an eighth term in late 2025. This wasn't just a quiet transition; it was a victory marked by intense protests and accusations of fraud from his main rival, Issa Tchiroma Bakary. If Biya completes this new seven-year term, he’ll be nearing his 100th birthday while still holding the highest office in the land. It’s a level of longevity that feels almost impossible in modern democracy.
The man who won't step down
Why is he still there? That’s the question everyone asks. Biya isn't just a figurehead; he has maintained a tight grip on power for over four decades. He first became Prime Minister in 1975 under Cameroon’s first president, Ahmadou Ahidjo. When Ahidjo resigned in 1982, Biya stepped in.
He hasn't left since.
🔗 Read more: Joseph Stalin Political Party: What Most People Get Wrong
In 2008, he basically cleared his path by removing presidential term limits from the constitution. Since then, he’s won election after election—usually by wide margins that the opposition claims are manufactured. You’ve probably heard of "gerontocracy," which is just a fancy word for a government ruled by older people. Biya is the poster child for it.
Age vs. Ability: A growing divide
Cameroon is a young country. Seriously, about 70% of the population is under the age of 35. You have a 92-year-old man making decisions for millions of people who are young enough to be his great-grandchildren. This creates a massive disconnect.
- Public Appearances: Biya is rarely seen in public these days. When he does appear, it’s often scripted and brief.
- The "Sphinx" Reputation: He’s earned the nickname "The Sphinx" because he stays silent for long periods, often governing from his home village or even hotels in Geneva.
- Succession Fears: There is no clear successor. This makes people nervous. When a leader stays this long, the vacuum they leave behind can be chaotic.
Who else is on the list of oldest world leaders?
Biya might be the oldest president, but he isn't the only world leader who’s been around since the dawn of time. If we look at "heads of state" more broadly (including kings), the list gets even more crowded with octogenarians and nonagenarians.
- King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud (Saudi Arabia): He’s 90. While he is the formal monarch, his son, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, handles the day-to-day heavy lifting.
- King Harald V (Norway): He’s 88. His role is mostly ceremonial, but he remains a deeply respected symbol of unity in Norway.
- Ali Khamenei (Iran): He’s 86. As the Supreme Leader, he holds the real power in Iran, far more than the country's president.
It's kinda wild to think that the leaders of some of the world's most volatile or influential regions are all nearing or past their 90s.
💡 You might also like: Typhoon Tip and the Largest Hurricane on Record: Why Size Actually Matters
The American context
You can't talk about aging leaders without mentioning the U.S. Donald Trump, who was sworn in for his second term in 2025, is 79. He is the oldest person ever inaugurated as a U.S. President. While 79 is significantly younger than Biya’s 92, it still highlights a global trend where the "Old Guard" is sticking around much longer than they used to.
Why this matters for global stability
When we talk about who is the oldest president in the world, it’s not just a trivia fact. It has real-world consequences. In Cameroon, the "Anglophone Crisis"—a secessionist conflict in the English-speaking regions—has killed thousands and displaced over a million people. Critics argue that an aging, distant leader can't effectively manage a modern civil war or an evolving economy.
Honestly, the "Iron Grip" approach works until it doesn't. If a leader doesn't build a bridge to the next generation, the eventual transition is usually messy. In 2025, we saw the African Union expressing "grave concern" over the violence following Biya’s re-election. This isn't just about age; it's about the stagnation that comes with it.
Acknowledging the nuance
To be fair, some supporters argue that Biya is a "force for stability." They credit him with keeping Cameroon relatively peaceful compared to some of its neighbors, at least until recently. They see his experience as an asset in a world that feels increasingly chaotic. But for the millions of young Cameroonians looking for jobs and digital-first policies, "stability" often feels like "stagnation."
📖 Related: Melissa Calhoun Satellite High Teacher Dismissal: What Really Happened
Practical takeaways for following world politics
If you're tracking these kinds of leadership trends, here are a few things to keep an eye on:
- Constitutional Changes: Watch for leaders who try to "reset" the clock by changing term limits. That's usually the first sign they intend to stay for life.
- Health Reports: In many of these countries, the president’s health is a state secret. If a leader disappears from public view for months, the rumors usually indicate a power struggle behind the scenes.
- Demographic Tension: Look at the median age of a country versus the age of its leader. The wider the gap, the higher the likelihood of civil unrest.
Knowing who is the oldest president in the world gives you a window into how power is shifting—or refusing to shift—on the global stage. Paul Biya’s 43-year reign is a rarity, but as medical technology improves and leaders find new ways to consolidate power, he might not be the last "President for Life" we see.
To stay updated on these transitions, it’s best to follow international news outlets like the Associated Press or regional experts like those at Chatham House, who regularly analyze African political stability.
Check the official election reports from the African Union or the United Nations for the most grounded, verified data on these leadership cycles.