Cameroon’s Paul Biya, now 92, eyes an eighth term. UZURI Magazine explores the implications for African democracy, youth leadership, and generational power shifts.
UZURI FEATURE | OP-ED
Politics | Power | Pan-Africanism
The Unyielding Presidency
Since 1982, Biya has governed Cameroon. While some call it stability, many see it as stagnation. Generations have come of age under a single administration, and they’re now demanding change.”In a nation where over 70% of the population is under 35, leadership rooted in the 1930s is no longer legacy—it’s liability.”
— UZURI Editorial Board
A Nation in Waiting
- Youth unemployment is high
- The Anglophone crisis remains unresolved
- Biya often governs from Geneva, not Yaoundé
Cameroonians are asking:
“How can we thrive when our leadership is stuck in the past?”
Generational Tension
Over 70% of the population is under 35.
Most have never voted in an election where Biya wasn’t on the ballot.
They are builders, creatives, and entrepreneurs, but locked out of governance.
A Deafening Silence
Despite its mandate to defend democracy, the African Union has remained silent.
This inaction normalizes presidency-for-life politics and sends a dangerous message.
Legacy or Liability?
What does Paul Biya leave behind?
Yes, his name is in history books—but history will ask more than “how long?”
“True leadership is not measured by tenure but by the torch you pass.”
— UZURI Magazine
Final Word: Pass the Torch
Cameroon—and Africa—deserve leaders who reflect today’s values, not yesterday’s power.
Democracy is about renewal, not repetition.
🗣️ UZURI Call to Action
🧠 Read. Reflect. React.
🗳️ Challenge the politics of permanence.
📱 Join the movement: #PassTheTorch | #Biya92 | #AfricaDemocracyNow
Conclusion: Time to Pass the Torch
For Cameroon and Africa as a whole, this isn’t just about one man.
It’s about the values we accept, the silence we tolerate, and the futures we delay.
🕯️ Biya’s next campaign is not a celebration of experience—it’s a cautionary tale of power unchecked.
