Cameroon's Absentee President: The Challenges of Biya's Extended Rule

Paul Biya, the President of Cameroon, has been in power since November 6, 1982, making him one of the longest-serving leaders in the world. At 92 years old, his continued candidacy for the 2025 presidential election raises significant concerns among the populace.

His leadership has been characterized by a lack of visibility and engagement with the citizens, as he is often seen leaving the country rather than addressing domestic issues directly.

Under Biya's administration, Cameroon faces numerous pressing challenges:

Escalating Violence: The ongoing conflict in the North West and South West regions has not been effectively managed. The Anglophone crisis has led to widespread violence and instability, with many citizens feeling abandoned by their government.  President Biya as the leader has never visited these regions since the conflict started in 2016. Many have attributed these to his unwillingness to address the problems while others thinks his physical ability can not permit him visit these regions.

Economic Hardships: Inflation rates continue to rise, contributing to a deteriorating economic situation. Many young people are struggling to find jobs, leading to a significant brain drain as they seek opportunities abroad. Most Cameroonians can barely have 3 square meal a day. The inflation figures have almost double compared to when Biya took power from the formal president.

Corruption and Accountability: There is a pervasive sense of corruption within the government, with little accountability from ministers. This has fostered a political environment where self-serving interests often overshadow the needs of the populace. It is common knowledge that you have to pay huge sum of money before you can past any public exams like. These exams are often reserve for children of politicians and also the rich business class in cameroon.

Inadequate Infrastructure: The lack of reliable energy sources hampers industrialization efforts, further stifling economic growth and development. Most cities in cameroon can barely go for a whole day without electricity being cut every hour. Most subdivision and division are yet to see a single electric pole in their community. 

Political Dynamics and Support for Biya

Despite these challenges, some politicians within Biya's ruling party, the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM), are urging him to run for re-election. They argue that he is the only leader capable of bringing peace and development to the country.

 However, this perspective is met with significant opposition, as many citizens and political analysts believe that Biya's extended rule has led to stagnation and decline.

The call for Biya to continue his presidency reflects a broader issue within Cameroonian politics, where a political class has emerged that benefits from maintaining the status quo. Critics argue that this entrenched leadership is detrimental to the country's future, especially as a large portion of the population—over 60%—is under the age of 25 and has little memory of a time before Biya's presidency.

The Future of Cameroon

As the 2025 elections approach, the question remains: What direction will Cameroon take? The populace must decide whether to accept the current state of affairs or demand a change in leadership. The situation calls for a critical examination of Biya's legacy and the potential for new leadership that can address the pressing issues facing the nation.

While some factions within the government advocate for Biya's continued presidency, the overwhelming sentiment among many Cameroonians is one of frustration and a desire for accountability, transparency, and genuine progress. The future of Cameroon hinges on the ability of its citizens to voice their needs and aspirations in the face of longstanding political inertia.