What Cameroonians want to hear from Biya tonight

By Nchendzengang Tatah

The hours steadily run down to the historic moment when President Paul Biya will address Cameroonians for the umpteenth time. Though a traditional speech, anticipation towards the issues to be handled provoked a series of discussions amongst Cameroonians.

They anticipate that the President will address the major challenges we’ve faced as a nation, including the persistent insecurity in the Far North, Northwest, and Southwest Regions said Mukum Sandy, a Yaounde based Masters Degree student. “I expect him to reassure us of his government’s commitment to restoring peace and stability in these troubled areas,” he added.

In the vein, Bishop Fon Ghogomu looks forward to a bid for rehabilitation of soldiers who have served in the troubled areas of Cameroon. He explained that, it is not easy for reintegration into family and society at the instance for the returning fighters. To this, the prelate thinks the wills of Biya stewardship in 2025 should factor in an amnesty for political prisoners.

Nkemngu Aminateh, a PhD fellow at the University of Buea is enthusiastic to hear if Paul Biya will announce his desire to contest in upcoming presidential elections. Biya, who has ruled Cameroon for the last 42 years is expected by Bishop Fon Ghogomu to declare a step down. “I’m expecting to hear President Biya say, ‘I’m about to do a transition because I have the experience, but the vigor, tenacity and the strength is no longer there,” the Man of God noted.

According to Mukum Sandy, urgent solutions are needed to reverse the economic hardships Cameroonians are undergoing. He expects Paul Biya to make statements which will depict hope and efforts towards a more favourable situation. Further more, the need to address the numerous instances of press violations is necessary, said Bishop Fon Ghogomu. He stated that the year ending hasd witnessed a miral of press freedom violations.