Paul Biya Warns Youth Against Opposition as 2025 Elections Loom

Speaking on Monday, February 10, 2025, on the eve of Cameroon’s 59th National Youth Day, Biya—who has been in power since 1982—urged young Cameroonians to reject the so-called "sirens of chaos" coming from figures such as Maurice Kamto, Cabral Libii, and others, accusing them of making “unrealistic promises” and attempting to destabilize the country.

Biya’s Fear of Change: A Leader Clinging to Power

While many anticipated that His Eternal Excellency—as some mockingly refer to the 91-year-old leader—would use the occasion to announce his retirement, he instead doubled down on his warnings against opposition figures, clearly shaken by their growing influence.

"This year again, our country will hold important elections. Those of you who meet the legal requirements will have the opportunity to freely exercise your civic duty," Biya declared in his speech, seemingly ignoring the decades-long electoral fraud and repression that characterize Cameroon’s voting process.

"I urge you not to listen to the sirens of chaos sounded by some irresponsible individuals. Do not let them use you to achieve their harmful ambitions—creating disorder in our beloved and beautiful country. Do not be deceived by their misleading promises, most of which are unrealistic."

The Real "Sirens of Chaos"

Biya, who has spent more time governing Cameroon from Switzerland’s luxury hotels than from the Presidential Palace, seems to have forgotten that Cameroonians do not need opposition leaders to create disorder—his own regime has done a fine job of that already.

Under his four-decade rule, Cameroon has seen:

• Skyrocketing unemployment among the youth, with millions struggling to find opportunities.
• A crumbling economy, weighed down by corruption and mismanagement.
• Unresolved separatist conflict in the Anglophone regions, which has displaced hundreds of thousands.
• Repression of dissent, with political opponents jailed or exiled whenever they threaten Biya’s grip on power.

Yet, somehow, he wants young people to believe that his opponents are the problem—not the outdated policies, economic decay, and human rights abuses that define his regime.

Opposition Gains Momentum Despite Crackdowns

Biya’s remarks come as opposition leaders—including Maurice Kamto of the MRC (Movement for the Renaissance of Cameroon) and Cabral Libii of the PCRN (Cameroon Party for National Reconciliation)—continue to push for democratic reforms and a new direction for Cameroon.

Both Kamto and Libii have accused the CPDM (Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement) of electoral fraud, economic mismanagement, and silencing political dissent. They have pledged to tackle corruption, revive the economy, and restore credibility to the electoral process—promises that Biya and his inner circle of geriatric loyalists clearly see as a threat.

Biya’s Election "Surprise"—Not So Surprising

With the October 2025 elections approaching, the stage is set for yet another predictable political charade:

1. Biya will "delay" his candidacy announcement, keeping the nation in suspense as if the outcome weren’t already decided.
2. His ruling party will rally behind him, chanting praises of his “indispensable leadership”.
3. The opposition will face restrictions, crackdowns, and intimidation, ensuring that any serious challenge to Biya’s power is neutralized before Election Day.

And when the elections finally take place, the results will be "announced" before votes are even counted, guaranteeing Biya another term—because, after all, why stop ruling when you've been in power longer than most voters have been alive?

The Youth Biya Fears

Despite his attempts to discourage political change, Biya’s biggest fear is not the opposition leaders—it is the youth themselves. As young Cameroonians grow increasingly disillusioned with his endless rule, social media and grassroots movements are fueling a new wave of political awareness.

For a president who once dismissed his critics as "a small group making noise," the reality is shifting. The youth are no longer just making noise—they are making history.

The real "sirens of chaos" are not Maurice Kamto, Cabral Libii, or any opposition leader—they are the sounds of a failing regime desperately clinging to power.

And this time, the people of Cameroon might just be ready to pull the plug.