Cameroonian Youth Seeks An End To Biya's 40years Leadership

By Adeyemi Adekunle

Cameroonian youths have started agitations for a stop to the country President, Paul Biya’s 40-year leadership.

Two generations of Cameroonians have been born under the presidency of Paul Biya who, on Sunday 6 November, celebrates 40 years of continuous rule.

Known as the “Sphinx”, Biya is now 89 years old with unstable health status.

A handful of Cameroonians feel this may be a good time for a change but are concerned about the instability that may follow.

A Trader, Muriel Ewan, said: “After 40 years nothing has changed. It’s getting hard and worse. With life becoming more and more expensive.

“We don’t even live on hope anymore. You can’t live on expectation, you can’t live on expectation in this country.”

Many younger Cameroonians have never remembered a leader other than Biya but, after seven re-elections, they are beginning to say it is time to see someone else in charge.

Michel Tsefack is a 34-year-old mechanical engineer.

“I was born in 1988 and I have only known His Excellency Biya in power,” he says. “And I would like to know another president. For me it is important. I’m not in politics but I want to see at least another person governing.”

But a long stay in power can also provide stability; especially when compared to neighboring Nigeria and the Central African Republic. But some citizens feel the major change at the moment is off.