CAMEROON: President Biya marks 41 years in power amid calls for continued rule

By Ollus Ndomu

Cameroon’s longstanding leader, President Paul Biya, commemorates an impressive 41-year tenure, signaling no apparent intentions to relinquish his firm grip on power.

At 90 years old, Biya has steered the nation with unwavering authority since ascending to the presidency in 1982, following a term as prime minister from 1975 to 1982.

The ruling Democratic Rally of the Cameroonian People (RDPC) is echoing voices within its ranks, urging Biya’s participation in the upcoming 2025 presidential election, vouching for an eighth seven-year term.

While some sections within the ruling party rally around the notion of Biya’s continuation in office, the sentiment is met with strong opposition.

Critics of his regime, including a notable number who sported black attire on a recent Sunday, voiced dissent over issues ranging from allegations of corruption, poor governance, and the persisting conflict in the Anglophone regions.

The 41-year mark in President Biya’s tenure is a testament to his formidable longevity in office, as he remains at the helm of Cameroon’s political landscape.

This milestone also reignites concerns among those who criticize his administration, advocating for change amidst the backdrop of grievances over governance and internal strife within the nation.

The ongoing debate between Biya loyalists and opposition groups sets the stage for potential power shifts and highlights a nation at a crossroads in determining its future leadership and direction.