By: Vesla Centurion Kals
As Cameroonian President Paul Biya celebrated his 90th birthday a few days ago, his supporters are calling for him to extend his 40-year rule by running for another term in 2025.
Biya has been in office since November 6, 1982, making him the second-longest ruling president in Africa. However, his opponents are voicing concerns about his authoritarianism and health, especially in light of the incident at the USA-Africa summit in December 2022.
The conflict in Cameroon is rooted in the colonisation of the country by both the French and British governments, which brought with it two languages – French and English. This has led to a protracted deadly conflict between Francophone and English-speaking citizens, with the latest violence beginning when lawyers and teachers in the Anglophone north-west and south-west accused the government of marginalising their people.
At the height of this conflict, thousands of people continue to flee for safety and hundreds more die in battles between Anglophone separatists and government forces.
As President Biya’s birthday passes, the escalating power struggle for his position leaves most Cameroonians with little to celebrate.
With the future of the country uncertain, it remains to be seen what the next few years will bring for the people of Cameroon.
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