UNVEILING THE UNUSUAL: BUEA YOUTHS' PLEA FOR A 91-YEAR-OLD PRESIDENT'S CANDIDACY AND ITS RIPPLE EFFECTS IN CAMEROON

By Edwin F -

A video has surfaced online, featuring youths and taxi drivers in Buea urging the 91-year-old president of Cameroon, who has held power for over four decades, to stand for the 2025 presidential elections. President Biya, barely able to walk, is seldom seen in public except for his annual addresses on December 31st and February 10th.

Cameroon has been embroiled in a war for over 7 years, with the president unable to address or resolve the conflict. Many question the motives of the Buea youths, speculating whether the move was sponsored by politicians seeking personal gains. Notably, the youth in Buea has never protested calling for an end to the ongoing war.


Since President Biya assumed power, inflation has more than doubled, causing significant hardship for most Cameroonians. Meanwhile, top government officials enjoy a lavish lifestyle funded by state resources. Despite allegations of embezzlement by state ministers, no legal actions have been taken, even for funds intended to fight COVID-19, promised by the president two years ago.


The call by Buea youths for President Biya's candidacy raises suspicions. With 63% of Cameroon's youths unemployed and the government providing minimal solutions, many resort to self-employment, facing high taxes on small startups. The consequences of such actions include potential political manipulation, exacerbation of economic hardships, and a failure to address crucial issues such as unemployment and embezzlement. Advocating for job opportunities and government intervention would likely be a more prudent approach.

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