By Hans Ngala
Today is President Paul Biya’s 92nd birthday. On this same day in the village of Mvomeka in the south of Cameroon, the cries of a handsome new baby boy were heard in the house of Etienne MVONDO ASSAM and Anastasie EYENGA ELLE.
Biya’s father was a catechist and wanted the young Biya to become a Catholic priest, but Biya was expelled from a Catholic school while in that school.
Today, Biya celebrates his 92nd birthday, and even at 92, there is no grey hair on his head. Apart from his wheezy voice, he is still in comparatively great shape compared to most people his age.
President Biya was the talk of the day back in 1982 when he rose to power at the age of 49. Biya’s official portraits which were taken back then are still often used in most public spaces in Cameroon today from government offices to official documents and it is quite obvious how handsome and young he was at the time.
Even at 92, he also looks great and still looks much better than Nigeria’s Bola Tinubu in terms of good looks.
What Happened to Make Biya Lose His Youthful Appeal?
At the time of his ascent to power in 1982, President Paul Biya was seen as a symbol of youthful promise, an attractive figure poised to lead Cameroon into a new era of progress and prosperity. With his striking looks, poised demeanor, and relatively youthful age of 49, Biya’s appearance mirrored his early aspirations for the country. His vision for a “New Deal,” promises of modernizing Cameroon, and commitment to bringing development to the country caught the imagination of the people. Back then, Biya’s public image was inseparable from his charm. People admired him, not only for his leadership potential but also for his grace and personal appeal. His portraits, taken during the early days of his presidency, still adorn government offices, schools, and public spaces across Cameroon, a testament to his initial allure.
However, decades of governance have significantly altered Biya’s image and public perception. The excitement that greeted his rise to power has long since faded, and his youthful looks and charismatic presence no longer have the same effect on the Cameroonian people. What once seemed like the dawn of a promising era has transformed into a period of stagnation and disappointment for many. Biya’s leadership style and the political climate he has fostered over the years have led to a reevaluation of his image. While Cameroonians continue to hold him in high regard as a senior statesman, his youthful appeal and promise of transformation have given way to a more nuanced, even critical view of his presidency.
The Reality of Over Three Decades in Power
Biya’s time in power has extended well beyond what most Cameroonians might have envisioned. Having been in office for over 40 years, his rule has come to define not only his personal legacy but also the political landscape of Cameroon. During the early years of his presidency, Biya’s government was marked by optimism and hope, particularly as he inherited a relatively stable country following the tumultuous years of his predecessor, Ahmadou Ahidjo. His youthful charm and forward-looking rhetoric were integral to his image as a modernizing leader.
But with time, the promises of progress that Biya made during his early presidency began to lose their shine. Economic growth slowed, political opposition was stifled, and the centralization of power reached unprecedented levels. For a large portion of the population, the president’s charm and good looks could not mask the growing sense of frustration over the stagnation of the country. Economic hardships, widespread unemployment, and political repression became more pronounced, overshadowing the image of the youthful, energetic leader they once admired.
In the early 1990s, Biya ushered in a period of political pluralism, allowing opposition parties to form and operate. However, many believed this move was more of a strategic response to growing domestic and international pressure than a genuine commitment to democratic reform. Over the years, Biya’s government has been accused of rigging elections, stifling dissent, and consolidating power at the expense of democratic institutions. This erosion of trust in his leadership has taken a toll on his public image. The president, once seen as a beacon of hope, began to be viewed as an emblem of political inertia and authoritarianism to some.
