CNA EDITORIAL- Biya’s end-of-year speech will ring hollow for many Cameroonians: Here’s why
As another year comes to a close, Cameroon’s longtime president, Paul Biya, will address the nation in his routine end-of-year speech on December 31st. However, many Cameroonians are not enthusiastic about what the 92-year-old will say, as they’ve heard it all before during his 42 years in power. Biya’s speeches often echo recurrent promises, yet the reality on the ground remains unchanged, leading many to question the sincerity and effectiveness of his leadership. Biya will likely downplay the bleak economic status of the country, where most people live below the poverty line, according to the World Bank. He’ll pretend that he hasn’t failed Cameroonians for over 40 years as leader. But Cameroonians are now smarter and more educated than they were in the 1950s – when Biya himself was a young man. They may fear Biya’s iron-fisted approach to governance, but they’re not stupid.
While there’s no denying that Biya has made some achievements, it is safe to say that his long stay in power doesn’t equate to higher development in Cameroon. Biya comes across as a distant leader who stays aloof and only gets concerned when his power is threatened. Of course, he has created universities, built roads, and tried (insufficiently, some would argue) to address the lack of jobs in Cameroon. He also introduced a national literacy campaign and improved the country’s standing in regional and international organizations, securing Cameroon a seat at the United Nations. However, despite these initiatives, critics point out that the progress made is minimal when viewed against the scale of the country’s challenges and the lengthy period he has had to make concrete change. His critics argue that these efforts are often overshadowed by inefficiencies, corruption, and the lack of a clear, cohesive national development strategy. This is not to say he has not achieved anything, but rather that in 42 years, he has not done as much as he should have.
The Economic Reality
Biya will likely give the impression that progress has been made and that the country is on the path to economic emergence. However, the situation on the ground paints a different picture. Cameroon’s economy is struggling, with most citizens living below the poverty line. According to the World Bank, poverty is pervasive, particularly in rural areas. Cameroon is also burdened by a massive debt, largely accumulated through borrowing from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and other international creditors. A significant portion of this debt has been directed toward financing the ongoing conflict in the Anglophone regions, including purchasing military equipment, such as armored vehicles and helicopters, and funding the training of soldiers by the Israeli military. In addition to this, Biya’s lavish international trips have drained state coffers, with little accountability for how funds are used. Despite the severe economic challenges, Biya continues to downplay the country’s financial troubles, offering little in terms of real solutions.
The government’s reluctance to address systemic corruption only exacerbates the economic crisis. Ministers and high-ranking officials are often left unchecked, contributing to the embezzlement of public funds. The most recent case was dubbed ‘Covidgate,’ which involved the embezzlement of part of a sum of $360 Million from the IMF. Government officials diverted most of these funds into personal accounts, but no arrests were ever made, and Biya himself never even commented on the issue at all. This lack of accountability has created a climate of impunity, where those in power enrich themselves at the expense of the ordinary citizen. The country’s persistent economic struggles are the direct result of such mismanagement and an absence of political will to implement meaningful reforms – which should be spearheaded by Biya.
Biya’s Absences and Fitness for Presidency
Biya’s frequent absences from the country have led many to question his physical and mental fitness to lead. At 92, with obvious cognitive decline, it is increasingly difficult for Cameroonians to believe he is capable of making the decisions required to steer the nation. His absences have frequently fueled speculation about his health, with entire periods when his whereabouts were unknown. This was particularly evident in September and October of 2024, when Biya was absent from Cameroon for more than 40 days, with officials scrambling to prevent discussions about his health. Public discourse regarding his health was quickly labeled a “national security” concern, leaving citizens to speculate even more about his fitness. His limited engagement in public affairs further undermines his credibility as the leader of a nation with over 20 million citizens.
Biya’s health and increasing isolation have led many to question why he refuses to relinquish power. At nearly 100 years old, Biya’s long tenure, marked by few tangible accomplishments, stands as a glaring contradiction to his continued grip on the presidency.
Poor State of Infrastructure
The state of infrastructure in Cameroon is in dire need of renovation, with particularly poor conditions in the northern and Anglophone regions. In these areas, roads are either non-existent or in a state of disrepair, making daily life a struggle for people in these areas. For example, Bamenda, Cameroon’s third-largest city, remains a dusty, unpaved disaster, especially during the dry season. The lack of infrastructure investment has stunted economic growth and hindered access to basic services.
This neglect extends to the lack of a national census in over a decade, making it impossible to accurately assess the country’s population or allocate resources effectively. Without reliable demographic data, it is nearly impossible for the government to prioritize projects or distribute resources in a way that addresses the country’s real needs. Additionally, the porous nature of Cameroon’s borders complicates the ability to track the number of foreigners residing in the country, which further complicates national planning.
The Ongoing Anglophone Crisis
While Biya made attempts at addressing Anglophone grievances at the start of the Anglophone Crisis in 2017, he has since taken a harsh stance and made it clear that the form of the state is not up for discussion – a key demand of separatists. Biya did not mention the Anglophone Crisis during his address at the UN in September 2017 and may likely not do so in his December 31st address either. If he does mention it, he will paint a picture of how his soldiers are acting valiantly and will not want to mention that state finances are being sucked up by this war he declared against separatists in 2017. Biya will likely give the impression that all is well in Anglophone regions and will not want to admit that the lockdowns in the region are hurting his government financially, causing the government to borrow so heavily from the IMF. He won’t admit that Cameroon was kicked out of AGOA (a partnership that allows African countries to export goods to the US without tariffs) because of abuses against the Anglophone minority, and he will give the impression that the only solution to the Anglophone crisis is a military one when dialogue and discussing the form of the state are clearly the solution to this impasse. In fact, restoring Buea as a co-capital with Yaoundé will not only help gain the trust of Anglophones, but will also be a practical step in decongesting an already overcrowded Yaoundé, where more than 4 million people reside, resulting in poor traffic, poor urbanization, poor sewage systems, and an overall low quality of life.
Elections in 2025
Perhaps the most anticipated aspect of Biya’s end-of-year speech will be his justification for seeking another seven-year term in the upcoming 2025 presidential election. Biya has already faced calls for resignation from religious leaders, such as Archbishop Samuel Kleda of the Catholic Church, who has urged the aging president to step aside. However, Biya has shown no sign of relinquishing power voluntarily. His grip on the presidency has been solidified through constitutional amendments, most notably in 2008, when he abolished term limits, allowing him to run for an indefinite number of terms.
Biya’s reign has been marked by accusations of election rigging. Despite widespread claims of electoral fraud, including instances where the media reported dubious election results, Biya has consistently maintained control over the political landscape. In 2018, the state-run television station CRTV aired a report from supposed “Transparency International” representatives who claimed that the election was free and fair. It later emerged that these individuals were impostors, yet the National Communication Council, responsible for holding the media accountable, failed to take any action against CRTV. This lack of accountability exemplifies the one-sided nature of Cameroonian politics, where government propaganda is not only tolerated but encouraged, while dissent is harshly suppressed.
Biya’s manipulation of the electoral process and the media has ensured that his rule remains unchallenged. Opposition parties face significant obstacles, including restrictions on campaigning and limited access to media. Despite these challenges, there is a growing push for reforms, with many Cameroonians and civil society organizations calling for free and fair elections in 2025.
Crushing Dissenting Voices
Biya’s government has consistently sought to silence dissenting voices, a tactic that has become more pronounced as the country’s political climate has grown increasingly repressive. Recently, Territorial Administration Minister, Paul Atanga Nji, warned journalists to “not insult the president,” signaling the government’s growing intolerance for criticism. This attitude is part of a broader strategy to suppress free speech and prevent the emergence of a political opposition capable of challenging Biya’s rule.
The government’s focus on silencing critics, rather than addressing the country’s numerous problems, reveals Biya’s preoccupation with maintaining power at all costs. This disregard for democratic principles has led to the stifling of political freedoms, making it increasingly difficult for ordinary citizens to express their concerns without fear of retribution. Biya’s obsession with controlling the narrative and suppressing any form of dissent has further alienated the people of Cameroon, many of whom are now looking for real change and progress.
Conclusion
In his upcoming end-of-year speech, Biya will likely tout his government’s so-called achievements, but for many Cameroonians, his words will ring hollow. The country continues to grapple with a failing economy, crumbling infrastructure, and an authoritarian regime that shows little regard for the needs of its people. Rather than offering tangible solutions, Biya’s speeches have become predictable performances, often filled with empty promises and half-truths.
Cameroonians are growing more aware of the deep systemic issues that plague their country, and they are demanding real change. As the 2025 elections approach, many hope that the era of Biya’s rule will come to an end, giving way to a government that can truly address the country’s pressing issues and offer a brighter future for all citizens. However, with Biya’s unwavering grip on power, it remains to be seen whether Cameroon will ever see the transformation it desperately needs.
