Paul Biya born on February 13, 1933, is a Cameroonian politician who has served as the country’s second president since November 6, 1982. Prior to becoming president, he was the Prime Minister of Cameroon from 1975 to 1982. Biya is recognized as Africa’s second-longest ruling leader and the longest-serving non-royal national leader globally. Despite significant opposition and criticism, he has remained in power for over four decades, shaping the political landscape of Cameroon.
Paul Biya Profile
| Name | Paul Biya |
| Real Name | Paul Barthélemy Biya’a bi Mvondo |
| Date of Birth | 13 February 1933 |
| Age | 91 years |
| Nationality | Cameroonian |
| Occupation | Politician |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Net Worth | $200,000 |
| Copied from | contents101.com |
Educational Background
Paul Biya pursued his early education in Cameroon before attending the Lycée General Leclerc in Yaoundé and then the Lycée Louis-le-Grand in Paris, France. He later studied at the Institut des hautes études d’Outre-Mer, where he graduated with a higher education diploma in public law in 1961.
Career
Biya’s political career began under President Ahmadou Ahidjo in the 1960s. He served as the Secretary-General of the Presidency from 1968 to 1975, a position that allowed him to rise rapidly through the ranks. In 1975, he was appointed Prime Minister, and in 1982, he succeeded Ahidjo as President of Cameroon.
Biya has since been re-elected multiple times, albeit amid allegations of election fraud and irregularities. Throughout his presidency, he has navigated several political challenges, including the shift to a multiparty system in the early 1990s and ongoing crises in the country’s English-speaking regions.
Controversies
Paul Biya’s tenure has been marked by allegations of corruption, election rigging, and human rights violations. His opponents and Western governments have accused him of manipulating election results to maintain power. The 1992 presidential election, in particular, was contentious, with allegations that Biya did not win legitimately.
Additionally, his administration has faced criticism for its handling of the Anglophone Crisis, where violent confrontations between government forces and separatists have led to significant loss of life. His long absences from the public eye also fuel rumors about his health and succession plans.
Paul Biya Social Media Handle
https://www.instagram.com/presidentpaulbiya/?hl=en
Personal Life
Paul Biya has been married twice. His first wife, Jeanne-Irène Biya, died in 1992. He married Chantal Vigouroux in 1994, and they have two children together: Paul Jr. and Brenda Biya. Brenda, who is also known for her advocacy on LGBTQ rights, revealed a same-sex relationship in 2024, causing public discourse in Cameroon. Biya also has an adopted son, Franck Biya, who is seen by some as a potential successor in future elections.
Paul Biya Net Worth
Paul Biya’s net worth is estimated to be around $200 Million.