President Paul Biya is not ready to step down and seeks to extend his 43-year rule. Image: @AfricafactsZone via X.
(The Post News)– Cameroon’s 92-year-old president, Paul Biya, is preparing to seek an eighth term in office as the country gears up for presidential elections this October. Biya, who has been in power since 1982, has now led the nation for nearly 43 years, making him the longest-serving head of state in the world.
Despite persistent allegations of corruption and widespread poverty, Biya is once again seeking to extend his decades-long rule. According to Rostant Tane, Director of Media Intelligence, Cameroon has over 5.4 million social media users, with WhatsApp being the primary communication tool for 95% of the youth. However, Tane notes a lack of effective communication from the government, particularly no significant local engagement strategies or efforts to connect with young citizens.
Meanwhile, Dr. Hervè Tiwa, a lecturer in communication sciences, argues that Biya is unable to resonate with younger audiences on social media platforms. He explains that because Biya’s speeches are often written by others, they are perceived as impersonal, leading to a lack of trust. Tiwa adds that youth interactions are often ignored or deleted, with no direct responses or personalized engagement, resulting in an overall absence of meaningful participation.
The statistics underscore the significance of youth in the country’s political landscape. Over 60% of the population is under the age of 25, and more than half of the electorate is below 30, positioning the youth as a potentially decisive force in the upcoming election.
Ulrich Donfack, a 27-year-old communication expert, stressed that in a true democracy, transparency in leadership must go beyond public relations; it should be genuine and actionable.
Fellow 27-year-old Falone Ngu echoed this sentiment, stating that young Cameroonians are eager to see tangible change and leadership that directly addresses the pressing issues they face. Ngu emphasized the desire for a digitally engaged president who can offer hope, progress, and opportunity.
Cameroon continues to grapple with high youth unemployment, with many graduates struggling to secure work. Corruption and national security remain among the most pressing concerns for the population. Critics have also pointed out that Biya’s social media presence often highlights his lengthy tenure rather than addressing current issues or engaging with citizens.
Communication strategist Aristide Mabatto noted that Biya’s team has recently begun sharing pieces in both French and English from more than 300 of his past speeches. One such post, taken from a 2000 speech, criticized people who “lecture others but fail to lead by example, a message published just days after a longtime political ally publicly criticized and abandoned Biya’s leadership.
Journalist-Kgopotso@thepostnews.net
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