Cameroon’s Paul Biya Extends Rule Amid Controversial Elections

UPDATE: Cameroon’s 92-year-old President Paul Biya is set to extend his nearly five-decade rule, having just been declared the winner of a controversial election. On October 27, the pro-government election commission announced that Biya secured 53 percent of the votes, while his main challenger, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, garnered only 35 percent. This election marks a critical moment in a nation where the median age is just 18 years and where many citizens have only ever known Biya as their leader.

These results have sparked immediate backlash, with Bakary calling the election a “masquerade.” International observers and political rivals have repeatedly flagged irregularities in Biya’s election processes, and this instance is no exception. The tense atmosphere is exacerbated by prolonged bans on public gatherings, internet outages, and violent clashes between anti-government protesters and security forces, creating a climate of fear and uncertainty.

Cameroon has been embroiled in a low-level civil war since 2016, particularly affecting its minority anglophone regions. The ongoing violence has raised alarm among foreign investors, who fear that a prolonged civil unrest or Biya’s unexpected demise could destabilize critical sectors such as agriculture, mining, energy, and telecommunications. Biya’s refusal to name a successor adds to this uncertainty, leaving the country vulnerable to a leadership vacuum and potential chaos.

Political analyst Chris W.J. Roberts of the University of Calgary warns, “There are lessons from Sudan that will likely remain unlearned in Cameroon until it’s too late.” He emphasizes the growing risks stemming from a succession crisis, a fragmented governing party, and disorganized security forces. The situation poses a serious threat not only to national stability but also to the safety and well-being of ordinary Cameroonians.

The broader trend in Africa illustrates a troubling pattern of aging leaders clinging to power while the continent grapples with significant development and security challenges. Many African nations, including Cameroon, have seen leaders enact constitutional changes to lift term limits through questionable referendums. The result is a political landscape dominated by “democratic dictators” who prioritize their hold on power over the needs of their citizens.

Following Biya’s election win, other aging leaders on the continent, such as Alassane Ouattara of Ivory Coast, have similarly maneuvered to extend their terms, often disqualifying popular opposition candidates. The increasing trend of military coups across Africa highlights the growing discontent among citizens yearning for true democratic governance.

Despite decades of corruption and ineffective leadership, surveys from Afrobarometer reveal that a vast majority of Africa’s 1.5 billion inhabitants still favor democracy over autocratic regimes. However, the failure of leaders to adapt to the demands of their populations has led to stagnation and increased poverty levels. The International Monetary Fund projects that 100 million more people will enter Africa’s labor force by 2035, underscoring the urgent need for governments to channel this youth bulge into sustainable economic opportunities.

As the situation develops, the future of Cameroon and its citizens hangs in the balance. The impact of Biya’s extended rule resonates far beyond national borders, serving as a cautionary tale for the continent. The world watches closely as the stakes continue to rise in this politically charged environment.

Stay tuned for more updates as this story unfolds, with crucial implications for both Cameroon and the broader African landscape.