Cameroon’s President Paul Biya has announced that legislative and local elections will be held on February 7, 2027, following two previous postponements.

Biya, 93, announced the decision on public radio on Monday amid heightened political tensions and a crackdown on opposition groups, barely a year after his re-election.

Biya, who has ruled Cameroon since 1982, is the world’s oldest serving head of state. His re-election in October 2025 triggered widespread protests, which were met with a violent crackdown by security forces.

Lawyers cited by Human Rights Watch said security forces detained up to 2,000 people, with some reportedly still in custody, according to various news agencies.

The legislative and local elections have already been postponed twice, prompting authorities to extend lawmakers’ terms until December 20, 2026, and municipal councillors' terms until February 28, 2027.

The announcement comes as Cameroon awaits a government reshuffle that was announced nearly a year ago, as well as the appointment of a vice president.

The vice presidency was reintroduced through a constitutional reform in April 2026. Its holder would be expected to succeed Biya in the event of his death.

Last month, authorities suspended the Cameroon National Salvation Front (FSNC), the party of opposition presidential candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary, who challenged Biya’s re-election.

Tchiroma fled to The Gambia after declaring himself the winner of the October 2025 election and urging his supporters to defend what he described as his electoral victory.

(With input from wires)