Paul Biya, the 92-year-old incumbent president of Cameroon—indisputable king since 1982— officially announced his candidacy for a new seven-year mandate on July 13. Biya has been in power since 1982, and his long rule has created a deeply divided political field. This absence has been characterized by a tidal wave of decreased electoral turnout, party infighting, and claims of autocratic rule. With Cameroon’s elections looming, more and more are wondering if his prolonged rule will bring more turmoil.
Biya’s administration has come under extreme fire for the governmental mismanagement of these multiple conflicts. These are the separatist anglophone crisis, which is fueled by constant government repression, and jihadist groups. Despite these setbacks, his party, the Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM), wields unrivaled power. Critics say that such power has indeed been quid pro quo costly. All along, with each passing year, voter turnout has been eroded. In the 1992 elections, abstention reached 19.6%, the highest in Europe, showing the electorate’s deep disillusionment.
Declining Voter Engagement
Biya’s presidency has been marked by complete apathy towards engaging voters. This drop is contributing to concerns that his continued rule is becoming less and less legitimate. The abstention rates from the last four elections suggest that countless citizens are disengaged and perhaps even disenfranchised by the political process. Critics argue that this disengagement is a consequence of popular discontent with Biya’s rule.
Christopher Nkong, a prominent political commentator, addressed these issues by stating, “Everybody is feeling the pinch of mismanagement, embezzlement, non-development, low standards of living, and poverty brought by the regime [which] knows that it is unpopular.” This feeling is shared by much of the affected populace that has suffered due to economic woes under Biya’s regime.
Nkong remarked on the challenges of removing an entrenched leader: “To uproot a dictator is not a day’s job.” Yet his words ring true to the frustrations of all good government advocates who want to focus on change but who are fearful about the pitfalls that loom ahead.
Political Tensions and Internal Strife
Biya’s last-minute announcement to stand for a third term has deepened the already combustible political climate. His supporters endured police repression, with some of the activists arrested for two days after a protest in defense of his candidacy. This action has regrettably raised serious questions about the current government’s faith in democratic ideals.
All is not well on the ruling party’s homefront. In addition to these external pressures, Biya faces dissent within his own ranks. Indeed, some of the most notable cabinet members like Bello Bouba Maigari and Issa Tchiroma have resigned. Now, they are poised to continue fighting back against him in next year’s mid-term elections. This extraordinary step signals a dramatic fracture within the ruling party and raises doubt over Biya’s continued grip on power.
There have been accusations that Biya’s government funds political parties to muddy the waters and divide the opposition. Simultaneously, they supposedly encourage armed groups to maintain disorder. These tactics have further bolstered perceptions of Biya as a “master of divide and rule,” muddying the already complicated political waters.
Economic Challenges Amidst Political Uncertainty
Cameroon claims the best economic numbers in central Africa. Yet, at the same time, it continues to struggle with some of the highest poverty levels in the country. According to the latest statistics, almost a third of the population survives with less than $2 a day. The contrast of soaring economic growth next to such widespread economic hardship is a glaring paradox that highlights Biya’s struggles to effectively govern.
As Biya campaigns for another five years in power, most Cameroonians are understandably disenchanted with yet another regime promise. Antoine Nkoa, a religious leader, articulated this skepticism by asserting, “No authority can exist unless it comes from God.” These proclamations reveal a fervent longing for God’s hand to move in what is increasingly seen as a disastrous or crumbling Christian leadership.
Political activist and former presidential candidate Kah Walla has spoken powerfully about the issues with the elections process in and of itself. She noted that her office has been “surrounded by police tanks and water cannons,” indicating an environment hostile to open political discourse. Walla further stated, “If I cannot hold a normal political meeting, then for sure I cannot be a candidate in the election … it’s an aberration to even call these things elections.”
Prospects for Future Stability
Looking forward, Biya’s re-election is likely to spark protests like those seen recently in Gabon. For months, observers have been worried that long-simmering anger might explode. They fear it could trigger extreme civil unrest, rioting, and war and could even incite a coup. The fate of the human rights crisis in Cameroon hangs in the balance, as citizens contend with their hopes for reform against a calcified and repressive establishment.
Despite exaggerated reports of his leadership, Biya is characteristically reticent and hopeful about his leadership and prospects for Cameroon. In a statement reflecting his resolve, he said, “Together, there are no challenges we cannot meet. The best is still to come.” This deeply hopeful narrative sharply opposes the reality experienced by many of the citizens who believe they’ve been abandoned by his administration.