As Cameroon prepares to mark 42 years under President Paul Biya’s leadership, the country is experiencing renewed calls for unwavering backing of the 91-year-old leader.
Biya, who returned to Cameroon on October 21 after a six-week absence amidst rumors about his health, has not indicated whether he intends to seek another term in office.
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Jean Nkuete, the Secretary General of Biya’s ruling party, the Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (RDPC), urged members to rally behind the president, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the country’s stability and progress.
In a letter to party members, Nkuete hailed Biya’s “fantastic record” and condemned the “malicious speculation” surrounding his health.
He also stressed Cameroon’s cultural respect for elders, calling for Biya to continue leading the nation beyond 2025.
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Several party branches have echoed the call for Biya to run again, including activists in the western region who signed a motion urging all Cameroonians, regardless of political affiliation, to support the president’s candidacy.
In Ebolowa, a documentary screening on Biya’s leadership was attended by officials, including Higher Education Minister Jacques Fame Ndongo, who also called for Biya to stand for re-election.
Biya, who has been in power since 1982 after succeeding Ahmadou Ahidjo, has not publicly addressed his political future.
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The question of his successor remains taboo, as Biya has made no public moves to name one.
His lengthy absence this time fueled speculation about his health, but on October 8, the government issued a statement affirming that Biya was working from Switzerland and would soon return to Cameroon.
Upon his return, Biya was warmly welcomed by party members, including the Secretary General of the Presidency, Ferdinand Ngoh Ngoh, and his wife, Chantal.
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Though there were reports of a lift for passengers with reduced mobility being used at the airport, Biya quickly resumed his duties, signing decrees, including military appointments, signaling that he remains firmly in control.
Supporters of Biya, including party officials like Deputy Secretary Gregoire Owona, insist that the president continues to work diligently for the country.
Biya’s presidency is often described as one marked by “absence, distance, and silence,” a strategy that some attribute to his longevity in power.
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The latest edition of the government publication “Time of Opportunity” dedicates extensive coverage to Biya’s diplomatic efforts, reinforcing his ongoing role as the central figure in Cameroon’s political landscape.
