Cameroon on the Brink: Stagnation, Corruption, and the Uncertain Future Under Paul Biya

Cameroon has been under the leadership of President Paul Biya since 1982, making him one of the longest-serving leaders in the The current trajectory suggests that the worst may indeed be yet to come for Cameroon. The combination of an aging leader, a corrupt and unaccountable government, and a disillusioned populace creates a volatile mix. Without significant political reform or a change in leadership, the country risks further decline, both politically and economically.

As the 2025 election approaches, the stakes are high. Cameroonians are calling for change, but whether the ruling party will heed these calls remains uncertain. For now, the nation appears trapped in a cycle of stagnation, with little hope for immediate improvement.. At 92 years old, Biya is reportedly preparing to run for another seven-year term in the 2025 presidential election. This decision has sparked widespread criticism and concern among Cameroonians, as Biya is rarely seen in public and is perceived as being disconnected from the realities of governance. Many believe that his prolonged rule has created a system of governance that operates on "auto-pilot," where ministers and officials act with impunity as long as they do not challenge the president's authority.

Critics argue that Biya's prolonged rule has fostered a culture of impunity and corruption. Many ministers in his government have been implicated in embezzlement and other corrupt practices, yet few, if any, have faced consequences. This lack of accountability has created an environment where government officials act with near-total autonomy, provided they do not challenge Biya's authority. As a result, the country appears to be running on "autopilot," with ministries and officials pursuing their own agendas without cohesive national leadership.

The decision to allow Biya to run for another seven-year term raises serious concerns about the future of governance in Cameroon. The absence of a clear succession plan or younger leadership within the ruling party suggests that the country may continue to drift without meaningful reform. This stagnation could exacerbate existing challenges.

The current trajectory suggests that the worst may indeed be yet to come for Cameroon. The combination of an aging leader, a corrupt and unaccountable government, and a disillusioned populace creates a volatile mix. Without significant political reform or a change in leadership, the country risks further decline, both politically and economically.As the 2025 election approaches, the stakes are high. Cameroonians are calling for change, but whether the ruling party will heed these calls remains uncertain. For now, the nation appears trapped in a cycle of stagnation, with little hope for immediate improvement.