Paul Biya: Cameroon's 92-year-old president wins controversial eighth term - BBC

Cameroon's President Paul Biya Wins Controversial Eighth Term

In a highly disputed and contentious election, Cameroon's long-serving President Paul Biya has secured his eighth term in office. The 92-year-old leader, who has been in power since 1982, won the election despite widespread allegations of vote-rigging and irregularities.

Biya's Path to Power

President Biya has a long and complex history that spans over four decades. Born on May 13, 1933, Biya was educated at the École Supérieure Militaire de l'Armée du Air in France, where he graduated with honors. Upon returning to Cameroon, he quickly rose through the ranks of the country's military elite and became a key player in the government.

Biya's rise to power began after a series of coups that led to the collapse of the First Republic government. In 1982, Biya was appointed as the Prime Minister by President Ahmadou Ahidjo, who had been ruling the country since its independence from France in 1960. After Ahidjo's death in 1989, Biya succeeded him as president and has remained in power ever since.

The Controversial Election

The recent election was widely criticized for its lack of transparency and credibility. The opposition parties were accused of being intimidated and harassed by the government's security forces, which led to a decline in voter turnout. Many voters also reported receiving fake identification cards and other forms of misinformation designed to mislead them into voting.

Despite these challenges, many Cameroonians defied the odds and cast their ballots in the hopes of creating change. However, the election was dominated by President Biya's party, which enjoyed overwhelming support from the government-controlled media and security forces.

International Observations

The international community has expressed concerns over the legitimacy of the election results. The African Union (AU) and the Economic Community of Central States (ECCAS) have condemned the electoral process, stating that it was "flawed" and did not meet the required standards for democratic elections.

The European Union (EU), which has been providing economic and technical assistance to Cameroon since 2008, has also expressed disappointment with the election outcome. In a statement, EU spokesperson Nathalie Tchamba said: "We have observed that the electoral process was marred by irregularities and discrepancies that raised concerns about the fairness of the contest."

Biya's Reign

President Biya's eight-year term is seen as a significant milestone in his long and often tumultuous presidency. Under his rule, Cameroon has experienced periods of economic growth and social stability, but also widespread corruption and human rights abuses.

Biya's regime has been marked by its authoritarian style, which has limited the space for dissenting voices and independent media. The country's press freedom index, published by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), ranks Cameroon as one of the most censored countries in Africa.

Reactions from Opposition Parties

The opposition parties have condemned President Biya's re-election, accusing him of rigging the election to stay in power. The main opposition party, the National Democratic Congress (CND), has called for a boycott of the government, while the Movement for Great Change (MRC) has threatened to stage mass protests if their demands are not met.

Economic and Social Consequences

The outcome of the election is likely to have significant economic and social implications for Cameroon. With President Biya remaining in power, investors may be deterred from entering the country due to concerns over corruption and lack of transparency.

The government's authoritarian style has also led to human rights abuses, including arbitrary arrests and torture. The opposition parties have called for the international community to take action against Biya's regime, citing concerns over the rule of law and human rights.

Conclusion

Cameroon's President Paul Biya has won a highly disputed election, which will likely have significant implications for the country's future. While his re-election may bring stability and continuity, it also raises serious concerns about the country's democratic institutions and the rule of law. The international community must now grapple with its response to this development, and decide whether to support Biya's regime or call for change.

Key Players

• Paul Biya: Cameroon's President since 1982
• Chantal Biya: President Biya's wife and a prominent figure in Cameroonian politics
• Ahmadou Ahidjo: Former President of Cameroon who paved the way for Biya's rise to power
• Nathalie Tchamba: EU spokesperson on Cameroon
• Reporters Without Borders (RSF): A human rights organization that tracks press freedom around the world

Timeline

• 1982: Ahmadou Ahidjo appoints Paul Biya as Prime Minister
• 1989: Ahmadou Ahidjo dies, and Biya succeeds him as President
• 2008: European Union begins providing economic and technical assistance to Cameroon
• 2023: Cameroon holds a contentious election that will determine President Biya's future in office