Cameroon: Paul Biya’s Potential Reelection Looms Amidst Challenges
Paul Biya may run again in 2025, extending his presidency. Concerns about his health persist amid civil unrest and economic challenges. Opposition remains fragmented with no clear alternative. Catholic bishops call for better governance; corruption and poverty affect much of the population. Biya’s potential reelection raises questions about the future of Cameroon’s political landscape.
As Cameroon approaches its elections in 2025, President Paul Biya, who is currently 91 years old, is likely to seek another term, extending his rule to an unprecedented eighth consecutive term and making him Africa’s longest-serving leader. Political commentator Dr. John Akpo noted, “There is no doubt about President Paul Biya’s candidacy for the next election,” despite concerns regarding his health. Biya’s party, the Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM), appears aligned in supporting his reelection, though opposition factions question the integrity of their endorsement.
With over 42 years in power, if elected again, Biya would be 99 years old in the next election, raising concerns about his capacity to govern effectively. Akpo expressed skepticism regarding the genuine nature of support from opposition parties, suggesting they are extensions of the ruling party. He criticized them for complicity in the nation’s political plights, asserting, “This is the greatest wickedness that has fallen on this nation.”
Biya’s legacy includes initiating a multi-party democracy and fostering international relations, yet ongoing civil unrest due to separatist conflicts in Anglophone regions hinders Cameroon’s stability. Opposition lawyer Tamfu Richard indicated that Biya’s age may prevent him from addressing these national crises adequately, emphasizing the risks of an aging leader removed from contemporary challenges.
Together with coalition partners like the Democratic Movement for the Defense of the Republic (MDR), the CPDM maintains power despite declining support. MDR won only one seat in the 2020 parliamentary elections, and dissent from the Union of the Populations of Cameroon (UPC) highlights the fragility of Biya’s coalition. Maurice Kamto, a notable opposition figure, is positioned as a potential successor, although speculation about Franck Biya indicates the ruling family’s ambitions.
Recent statements from Catholic bishops in Buea suggest an urge for improved governance from Biya while clarifying that demands for resignation were not made. Solomon Lyonga from the Diocese of Buea asserted that the bishops’ focus lies on enhancing the quality of life for citizens, emphasizing a partnership between state and church.
Economically, Cameroon shows signs of recovery; however, challenges such as inflation and civil conflicts persist. By 2023, GDP growth had fallen, although a slight rebound was noted in early 2024. Poverty remains rampant, with about 23% of people living under severe conditions, while corruption plagues the political landscape, impacting various sectors adversely, according to Akpo’s assertion of pervasive corruption throughout governance.
Despite skepticism concerning Biya’s age and health, the opposition has yet to coalesce around a viable alternative, presenting challenges for political reform. Resident Michele Ndoki articulated that many citizens prefer the stability Biya represents, despite the prevailing difficulties in governance. This scenario poses a critical question about Biya’s fitness for presidency amid the desire for continuity among certain segments of the populace.
The article discusses the political landscape in Cameroon, focusing on the possible candidacy of 91-year-old President Paul Biya for reelection in 2025. It explores his long tenure, the implications of his health on governance, and the fragmented state of the opposition unable to provide a viable alternative. The socio-political backdrop includes civil strife, economic challenges, and the church’s influence on policy discussions.
Cameroon’s political future remains uncertain with President Biya likely seeking another term, raising concerns about his age and effectiveness. Although he has maintained international relations and initiated democracy, ongoing conflicts and widespread poverty reflect the need for substantial governance reform. The fragmented opposition offers little hope for change, leaving many citizens caught between the desire for stability and the pressing need for improved leadership.
Original Source: www.dw.com
