Blitz Bureau
YAOUNDE: Ahead of the October presidential election, prominent Cameroonian figures are calling on citizens to use the ballot box to reject long-time President Paul Biya, reported africanews.com.
A coalition of university lecturers, civil society members, and traditional leaders issued a public appeal urging Biya, in power since 1982, not to stand again – or to be voted out if he does.
They argue that at 92 years old, Biya’s continued rule symbolises a stagnant political system ill-suited to address urgent crises such as the anglophone conflict, economic hardship, and endemic corruption . These collective voices have sparked fresh debate: while some local mayors and traditional chiefs insist Biya embodies stability, others – including church leaders – describe his candidacy as “unrealistic” and warn it threatens democratic progress.
Human Rights Watch and other observers have also criticised the regime for cracking down on opposition and independent groups in the leadup to the vote, citing arrests and restrictions on political activity. With a sizable youth population – more than 65 per cent under 30 – and rising disillusionment over repeated calls for change, the upcoming election is shaping up as a defining moment for Cameroon’s future – a choice between the entrenched old guard and a new path forward.
