On Tuesday, certain areas of Cameroon resumed daily activities despite widespread demonstrations triggered by the confirmation of President Paul Biya’s victory for an eighth consecutive term.
The announcement on Monday, awarding the 92-year-old leader a majority, aligned with expectations in Yaoundé, where political shifts seem improbable.
Residents prioritize tangible improvements over leadership change. François Ebanda Eke, a local, expressed:
“The new president must address our hardships. Poverty overwhelms us.”
Opposition Rejects Results
Challengers decry the process as manipulated. Rebecca Enonchong, allied with candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary, stated:
“Electoral bodies serve the regime, not the people.”
Bakary declared himself winner earlier, but official tallies gave him 35.19% against Biya’s 53.66%. Critics argue decades under Biya have yielded economic stagnation, fueling calls for renewal.
Escalating Unrest and Expert Warnings
Analyst Esair Ateba foresees turbulence:
“This term offers little hope. Protests in cities demand Biya’s exit to resolve the impasse.”
Demonstrations span regions, with youth over 70% under 35 in a 30 million population leading demands. Biya, in power since 1982, outlasts most citizens’ lifetimes.
Economic Disparities and Youth Struggles
As an oil producer with steady growth, benefits concentrate among elites. Young people lament job scarcity, infrastructure gaps, and limited opportunities, feeling excluded from prosperity.
Leadership Absence Raises Questions
Biya’s frequent European stays delegate governance to aides and relatives, sparking health speculation. His prolonged absences contrast with domestic challenges.
Electoral Oversight and Irregularities
Authorities accredited over 5,000 observers. Civil groups reported:
- Deceased names on rolls
- Uneven ballot supply
- Stuffing attempts
The African Union deemed the process mostly compliant with standards.
Path to Stability
Experts urge national dialogue to ease divisions. Without addressing grievances poverty, fairness, youth inclusion unrest may intensify.
Cameroon stands at a crossroads: sustain status quo or embrace reform for a younger, equitable future.
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