Paul Biya

Cameroonian president (1982– ) and prime minister (1975–82), born in Muomeka'a, Cameroon. He completed his studies at Paris University and from 1962 held a number of ministerial posts under President Adhidjo before being appointed prime minister. He was nominated as president-designate and there was a smooth transfer of power in 1982. Despite two attempts to overthrow him, he was re-elected in 1988 with more than 98% of the popular vote. In 1992, he was re-elected again, but by a narrower margin, five years later he won a further term in office.

Paul Biya (born 13 February 1933) has been the President of Cameroon since 1982. Ahidjo resigned on 6 November 1982 and Biya became president, as Ahidjo's hand-picked successor. However, after Ahidjo resignation, Biya repudiated some of Ahidjo's policies, replaced most of Ahidjo's cabinet, and eventually Ahidjo was forced into exile.