Cameroon’s President Paul Biya has once again cast a long shadow over the country’s political landscape with his end-of-year address. At 91, with 42 years in power, Biya’sspeech was more than a reflection on the nation’s challenges—it was a thinly veiled signal that he intends to extend his reign beyond the 2025 presidential election. The address, laced with phrases like “immense challenges” and affirmations of his “steadfast resolve” to serve, left little doubt in the minds of many observers that Biya’sambitions remain intact.
The president’s supporters have launched a vigorous campaign to secure his candidacy for an eighth term. Buoyed by calls from his party’s base, Biya declared his dedication to the nation’s future, saying he had “heard the cries” of encouragement from loyalists. Yet, his advanced age and frail health have raised questions about his ability to govern effectively, igniting fierce debate across the political and social spectrum.
Leading the charge against another term are Cameroon’s Catholic bishops, who have increasingly called for a peaceful transition of power. Their argument is compelling: Biya’s prolonged rule has coincided with widespread economic disparity, failing infrastructure, and a generation of disillusioned youth. Bishop BarthélemyYaouda Hourgo bluntly stated that the president’s time is up, while Archbishop Samuel Kleda dismissed the idea of Biya seeking re-election as “unrealistic.” Both clerics emphasized the importance of democratic principles and warned of the risks of clinging to power.
Biya’s tenure has been a tale of diminishing promises. Initially heralded as a reformist upon taking office in 1982, his presidency has devolved into a cycle of contested elections and accusations of authoritarianism. Despite pledges of democratic progress, Cameroon’s elections since 1992 have been marred by allegations of irregularities and outright fraud. These patterns have eroded trust in the electoral process, fueling fears that 2025 may follow a similar trajectory.
The bishops’ critique extends beyond political stagnation to the dire state of Cameroon’s socio-economic fabric. Over 23% of the population lives below the international poverty line, a figure projected to worsen in the coming years. Bishop Emmanuel Abbo painted a grim picture of young Cameroonians facing unemployment, poverty, and drug abuse, describing the situation as a national tragedy. His scathing remarks about the government’s failure to address these issues were a direct challenge to Biya’sadministration.
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Yet, Biya’s allies have pushed back against the clergy’s intervention. Officials like Prof. Jacques Fame Ndongoand Gregoire Owona have accused the bishops of partisanship, insisting that the president’s decision to run is a constitutional right. They argue that criticisms of Biya’s leadership fail to account for the complexities of governing a diverse and often turbulent nation.
This political tug-of-war comes against a backdrop of growing authoritarianism. In 2024, the government imposed a ban on media discussions about the president’s health, a move widely seen as an assault on press freedom. Such measures reflect a regime increasingly intolerant of dissent, reinforcing fears that the 2025 elections may not be free or fair.
Cameroon’s youth, the majority of its population, are caught in the crossfire of this political drama. Many have grown up knowing no other leader than Biya, and their aspirations are stifled by systemic corruption and economic stagnation. As Archbishop Kleda pointed out, “Democracy doesn’t exist in Cameroon.” His statement resonates deeply in a country where hope for change often feels like a distant dream.
The stakes for 2025 could not be higher. While Biya’ssupporters hail his experience and leadership, his detractors see his continued presidency as a roadblock to progress. Calls for a peaceful transition have gained urgency, with growing recognition that Cameroon’s future depends on embracing new leadership.
As the nation approaches its next election, Biya’sintentions remain a focal point of speculation. Whether his candidacy materializes or not, the debate surrounding his legacy underscores a broader reckoning with decades of unmet promises and unrealized potential. For Cameroon, the question is no longer just about one man’s ambition but about the collective will to forge a new path forward.
