PAUL BIYA SPEECH; DISCONNECTING FROM THE REALITIES OF THE YOUTHS

By Edwin F -

President Paul Biya addressed the Cameroonian youth in a speech that resonated with a lot of mixed feelings owning to the current realities the youths are going through on a day-to-day bases in Cameroon. The speech was not any different from what he has been telling Cameroonians for more than 40 years in power. 


The speech given to young Cameroonians, while addressing some pressing issues and trying to provide reassurances, also carries several negative aspects:

  1. The tone of Dismissal: The speech seems to downplay the gravity of certain concerns, such as the disappointment of the Indomitable Lions' early elimination from the Africa Cup Nations. While acknowledging the disappointment, the tone quickly shifts to a call for continued perseverance without addressing the underlying issues causing concern.


  3. Minimization of Concerns: The speech touches upon the recent fuel price hikes which have left many young Cameroonians unable to go about their businesses and also fails to acknowledge the worries of young people regarding the impact on their living conditions. However, the assurances provided may come across as insufficient or even dismissive, especially considering the significant economic implications of such increases on youth livelihoods. most Cameroonians were expecting to hear the president provide better palliative measures.


  5. Lack of Concrete Solutions: While the speech mentions various initiatives and efforts undertaken by the government to address youth concerns, it lacks specificity in terms of concrete solutions or immediate actions to alleviate pressing issues such as unemployment or emigration. most youths in Cameroon are unemployed and most of them who try to do a start-up are usually discouraged by the poor tax system in the country. Small businesses are expected to start paying taxes immediately after their business is set up.


  7. Blame-shifting: The speech indirectly shifts responsibility for the challenges onto external factors, such as budget constraints or societal moral decay, without fully acknowledging the role of government policies or actions in exacerbating these issues. The president fail to acknowledge the fact that a lot of money is being wasted on fighting the war in the northwest and southwest regions of the country.


  9. Emigration Discouragement: While cautioning against the perils of emigration, the speech fails to address the root causes driving young people to seek opportunities abroad, such as lack of job prospects, political instability, or limited access to quality education and healthcare.


  11. Disconnecting from Youth Reality: The speech may come across as out of touch with the realities faced by many young people, especially concerning economic hardships, social inequalities, and aspirations for a better future. It lacks empathy and fails to adequately address the frustrations and anxieties of the youth demographic.

While the speech attempts to acknowledge and address youth concerns, it falls short in providing meaningful solutions, empathy, and a genuine understanding of the challenges faced by young compatriots.


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