CAMEROON: Cameroonian Youths Call on President Paul To Step Down

In Cameroon, there is a growing movement among the youth calling for President Paul Biya not to run for re-election due to his advanced age and perceived failures in governance. At 91 years old, Biya has been in power since 1982, making him one of the longest-serving leaders in Africa. Many young Cameroonians are expressing their frustrations over the country's political stagnation and the lack of effective policies to address pressing issues such as unemployment and economic hardship.

In response to these rising calls for change, the Biya regime is reportedly attempting to clamp down on dissent. This includes measures to suppress protests and manage public sentiment, particularly as the country approaches an electoral year. The government has also been active in trying to register voters, although opposition groups argue that low voter registration reflects widespread disillusionment with the political process.

President Paul Biya's long tenure has been marked by several significant policy failings that have contributed to widespread dissatisfaction among the Cameroonian populace, particularly the youth.

One of the most pressing issues has been the Anglophone crisis, which stems from the government's attempts to assimilate the English-speaking regions into the predominantly Francophone system. Biya's administration has struggled to effectively manage this conflict, which has escalated into violence and unrest. His admission of failure to assimilate these regions highlights a lack of understanding and responsiveness to the identity differences that exist within the country.

Under Biya's leadership, Cameroon has faced economic challenges, including high unemployment rates and a lack of sustainable development. Critics argue that his policies have not fostered the economic growth necessary to improve living standards for the majority of citizens. The perception of corruption and mismanagement has further eroded public trust in the government.

Biya's regime has been characterized by political repression, including crackdowns on dissent and limited political freedoms. This has stifled democratic processes and led to a climate of fear among those who oppose the government. The lack of genuine political competition has contributed to a sense of hopelessness among the youth, who feel their voices are not being heard.

Biya's frequent absences from the country and limited public engagement have led to perceptions of an "absentee leadership." This has fostered a sense of disconnection between the government and the people, further fueling calls for a new direction in leadership.

The combination of ineffective governance, economic challenges, and political repression has led to significant discontent among Cameroonian youth, who are increasingly vocal about their desire for change and reform in the country's leadership.