Cameroon will hold its twice-delayed legislative and local elections on Feb. 7, 2027, under a decree announced by President Paul Biya, Al Jazeera reports.

The decree was read on public radio on Monday. The government had postponed the polls twice, extending the terms of lawmakers and municipal councillors.

The announcement comes amid a crackdown on opposition groups, roughly a year after Biya’s re-election sparked widespread protests. Biya, 93, has ruled Cameroon since 1982 and is the world’s oldest head of state.

Lawyers cited by Human Rights Watch said security forces detained up to 2,000 people following the presidential election, according to AFP reporting cited by Al Jazeera. Some remain in custody.

Last month, authorities suspended the Cameroon National Salvation Front, the party of defeated presidential candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary. Bakary went into exile in the Gambia after declaring himself the election winner and urging supporters to defend his claimed victory.

Cameroon is also awaiting a government reshuffle announced nearly a year ago and the appointment of a vice president. A constitutional reform reintroduced that post in April; its holder would be expected to succeed Biya if he dies.

Sources