Paul Biya: 1 Decision, 5 Explosive Reactions Shaking Cameroon

Paul Biya has once again thrust Cameroon into a political earthquake. On Sunday, the 92-year-old president announced he would seek another term in office, marking his potential bid for a tenth mandate since 1982. The declaration, delivered through a national address, sparked immediate and divergent reactions across the country. While government supporters hailed it as a sign of stability, opposition groups, youth activists, and civil society condemned the move as undemocratic and out of touch. This single decision by Paul Biya has reignited debates over governance, generational change, and democratic legitimacy in one of Central Africa’s most strategic nations.

The announcement came just months before the 2025 presidential election, a vote that many fear will deepen existing divisions. With Biya already among the world’s longest-serving leaders, critics argue that his continued rule undermines institutional renewal and stifles political competition. His administration, however, insists that the president remains “physically and mentally fit” to govern. Yet, public appearances have grown increasingly rare, and questions about succession continue to loom. The Paul Biya era—now spanning over four decades—is no longer just a political reality; it is a national flashpoint.

Nation Divided: Public Reactions Across Cameroon

The response to Paul Biya‘s re-election bid has been deeply polarized, reflecting the country’s complex social and regional dynamics. In Yaoundé, the capital, small pro-government rallies were organized near Unity Monument, with state employees reportedly encouraged to attend. Banners read “Biya Forever” and “Stability Above All,” echoing official messaging. However, these gatherings contrasted sharply with spontaneous expressions of frustration elsewhere. In neighborhoods like Mokolo and Bastos, young people took to social media, using hashtags like #NoToTenthTerm and #CameroonDeservesBetter to voice dissent.

Outside the Francophone heartland, the reaction was even more critical. In the Anglophone regions of Northwest and Southwest, where an ongoing conflict has claimed over 6,000 lives since 2017, Biya’s announcement was met with outright rejection. Leaders from the Southern Cameroons National Council (SCNC) dismissed the election as illegitimate, calling for international intervention. “How can we participate in a process led by a man who has ignored our suffering for decades?” asked one community elder in Buea. For many Anglophones, Paul Biya symbolizes centralization, marginalization, and repression.

Meanwhile, civil society organizations issued strong statements. The Cameroon Civil Society Coalition declared the announcement “a mockery of democratic principles.” According to a recent Afrobarometer survey, only **34% of Cameroonian citizens believe their elections are free and fair**, highlighting growing distrust in the political system. As noted by Afrobarometer’s 2023 Country Report on Cameroon, public confidence in governance institutions has declined steadily over the past decade, particularly among those under 35.

Youth Uprising: The Digital Rebellion Against Paul Biya

A new wave of resistance is emerging from Cameroon’s largest demographic: its youth. Over 60% of the population is under 25, and many feel politically alienated. Frustrated by unemployment, censorship, and limited civic space, young Cameroonians are turning to digital platforms to challenge the status quo. TikTok, Twitter (X), and WhatsApp have become battlegrounds for political expression, with memes, videos, and encrypted group chats spreading faster than any official statement.

In the days following Paul Biya‘s announcement, viral clips showed university students in Dschang and Bamenda staging silent protests, holding up blank sheets of paper—a global symbol of suppressed speech. Others posted side-by-side comparisons of Biya in 1982 and today, captioned “Same President, Different Century.” These acts, though small, signal a growing refusal to accept lifelong presidencies as normal. As one activist explained, “We’re not asking for revolution. We’re asking for the right to choose our leader—without fear.”

This digital mobilization reflects a broader trend across Africa, where youth-led movements—from Sudan to Senegal—have successfully challenged entrenched leaders. In Cameroon, however, repression remains high. Internet shutdowns, arbitrary arrests, and surveillance are common tools used to silence dissent. Despite this, the resilience of online activism suggests that the demand for change cannot be silenced indefinitely. The Paul Biya regime may control traditional media, but it struggles to dominate the narrative in cyberspace.

Political Landscape: Allies, Opponents, and the Road to 2025

The 2025 election will test the strength of Cameroon’s opposition. Historically fragmented, opposition parties have struggled to present a united front against Paul Biya. Maurice Kamto, leader of the Cameroon Renaissance Movement (MRC), remains the most prominent challenger. After contesting the 2018 election results—which he claimed were rigged—he was briefly imprisoned and later released under international pressure. Since then, his party has maintained a significant grassroots base, especially among urban youth.

Other figures, such as Joshua Osih of the Social Democratic Front (SDF), also plan to run. But internal divisions and limited access to state media hinder their reach. Meanwhile, ruling party machinery is already in motion. The Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (RDPC) has launched local campaigns, promising infrastructure projects and job creation in exchange for loyalty. This patronage system, long used by Paul Biya to maintain power, continues to influence voter behavior, particularly in rural areas.

International observers remain cautious. The European Union and African Union have previously criticized Cameroon’s electoral processes for lacking transparency. Without credible reforms—such as independent oversight, voter roll audits, and balanced media access—the 2025 vote risks being seen as neither free nor fair. As International Crisis Group warns in its latest report on Cameroon, “the absence of inclusive dialogue increases the risk of post-election violence, especially in tense regions.”

Legacy and Longevity: What Biya’s Rule Means for Africa

Paul Biya is more than a national figure—he is a symbol of Africa’s enduring struggle with executive longevity. At 92, he ranks among the continent’s oldest leaders, alongside Teodoro Obiang Nguema of Equatorial Guinea and Uganda’s Yoweri Museveni. His tenure reflects a broader pattern where leaders exploit constitutional loopholes, weaken term limits, and suppress opposition to extend their rule.

Yet, this model is increasingly under threat. Recent coups in West Africa have often been justified by soldiers citing corruption and stagnation under aging leaders. In Gabon, the 2023 military takeover ended the Bongo dynasty after 56 years. Such events send a powerful message: populations are less tolerant of perpetual rule. For Paul Biya, this regional shift poses a quiet but real danger. Even if he wins in 2025, governing amid rising unrest and economic strain could prove unsustainable.

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Conclusion: A Nation at a Crossroads

The announcement by Paul Biya to run again is not merely a political event—it is a national reckoning. It forces Cameroon to confront fundamental questions: Who holds power? Who decides the future? And how much longer can one man shape an entire generation?

While some see continuity as stability, others see it as stagnation. The explosive reactions—both online and offline—reveal a society yearning for change, accountability, and inclusion. Whether the 2025 election becomes a catalyst for reform or a trigger for crisis depends on the choices made in the coming months.

One thing is clear: Cameroon’s future cannot be decided by a single decision from a single leader. It must be shaped by dialogue, democracy, and the voices of millions who deserve a say. The story of Paul Biya may still be unfolding—but so too is the story of a nation demanding its turn.