Imagine a country where the same leader has been in power for nearly as long as some people have been alive. That's the reality in Cameroon, where 92-year-old President Paul Biya is vying for yet another term, his eighth, in an upcoming presidential election. Is this a testament to his enduring leadership, or a sign of a political system in desperate need of change? That's the burning question on many Cameroonians' minds as they head to the polls this Sunday.
Biya, already the world's oldest head of state, faces a fragmented opposition consisting of 11 candidates. Despite his age and rumors of declining health, he has brushed aside any suggestions of retirement. Grégoire Owona, the labour minister and secretary general of the ruling party, confidently stated on French radio RFI that Biya is in "great shape" and capable of continuing his work. But here's where it gets controversial: many question whether this assessment reflects reality, or merely the party line.
For many of the 7.8 million eligible Cameroonian voters, Biya is the only president they've ever known. He has maintained a firm grip on power since 1982, a fact that some see as stability, while others view it as stagnation. And this is the part most people miss: this election occurs against a backdrop of significant challenges. Political stagnation is only one part of the story. A cost-of-living crisis is impacting the daily lives of ordinary citizens, and social unrest is simmering beneath the surface. Opposition parties claim that Elections Cameroon, the electoral commission, is biased toward the ruling party. To add fuel to the fire, Maurice Kamto, considered the most formidable opposition candidate, was barred from running by the courts. Was this a fair decision, or a politically motivated move to silence dissent? This is a question that sparks heated debate among Cameroonians.
While Biya faces numerous challengers, including former ministers Issa Tchiroma Bakary (who recently switched sides) and Bello Bouba Maigari (Biya’s first prime minister back in 1982), observers suggest that their individual campaigns lack the necessary coordination to pose a substantial threat to Biya's long-standing reign. These candidates have managed to gather crowds, but is that enough to translate into actual votes and challenge the incumbent's power?
Cameroon is grappling with serious socioeconomic issues. A staggering third of the population lives on less than $2 a day, a stark indicator of poverty. Youth unemployment is widespread, leading to disillusionment with the political process. Many young people feel excluded and lack economic opportunities. Voter turnout has been steadily declining, a trend exacerbated by ongoing conflicts. The Far North region is plagued by clashes with jihadist groups, while the western regions are embroiled in a conflict with anglophone separatists. The anglophone crisis, which began in 2017, has resulted in thousands of deaths and displaced over 700,000 people. What role does the government play in either exacerbating or resolving these ongoing conflicts?
Kah Wallah, leader of the Cameroon People’s party and founder of Stand Up For Cameroon, highlights the anglophone crisis as a primary reason for her movement's boycott of elections since 2018. She argues that it's "unconscionable" for the Biya regime to hold elections without ensuring the safety of citizens in the North-West and South-West regions (often abbreviated as #NOSO). The government's response to the anglophone crisis has faced criticism for being overly aggressive, leaving many in these regions feeling marginalized and inclined to abstain from voting. Is it justifiable to hold elections when a significant portion of the population feels unsafe and unrepresented? This is a crucial question to consider.
Biya, who rarely makes public appearances, held his only campaign rally in Maroua, a town in the Far North. He pledged to enhance security in the region, reduce youth unemployment, improve road infrastructure, and enhance social amenities if re-elected. He acknowledged the concerns of the people, stating, "I am well aware of the problems that concern you, I know the unfulfilled expectations that make you doubt the future... Based on my own experience, I can assure you that these problems are not insurmountable." But are these promises enough to convince a skeptical electorate, especially after decades of unfulfilled expectations?
This election cycle has seen unprecedented calls for Biya to step down. Catholic Archbishop Samuel Kleda publicly stated that it was "not realistic" for Biya to continue in his role. The defections of Tchiroma and Maigari, who openly questioned Biya's fitness to lead, added to the pressure. Even Biya's own daughter, Brenda Biya, expressed her disapproval on TikTok, stating that her father "has made too many people suffer" and urged Cameroonians not to vote for him. While she later retracted the statement, the post continues to circulate widely, fueling dissent. What does this internal criticism reveal about the state of Biya's support, even within his own family?
Theophile, an artist in Douala, describes the vote as a "scam." He had hoped to vote for Kamto, who finished second to Biya in the 2018 election. "As long as the system remains in place, there is nothing that can be done. There has to be a change," he says. His sentiment encapsulates the frustration felt by many who believe that genuine change is impossible under the current regime. Do you believe that this election offers a real opportunity for change in Cameroon, or is it simply a continuation of the status quo? What would it take to foster a more inclusive and representative political system in the country? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
