Cameroon is a nation at a breaking point. In the streets of Douala and Yaoundé, the air is thick with more than just humidity—it is heavy with a generational rage. For the vast majority of Cameroonians, the concept of a “President” has only ever had one face: Paul Biya. At 92 years old, having ruled for 42 years, Biya recently claimed victory in the October 2025 election, securing an eighth term that would keep him in power until he is 99.
But as the 2025 election cycle gives way to a tense 2026, the silence that once sustained the “Lion Man” is being shattered by a populace that is no longer afraid to speak.
The Architecture of a Long Reign
Paul Biya did not seize power through a bloody coup or a popular revolution. He was a product of the system—groomed by Cameroon’s first president, Ahmadou Ahidjo, and backed by the interests of the former colonial power, France. When Ahidjo stepped down in 1982, Biya was the “quiet, loyal” successor.
However, that perceived quietness masked a ruthless efficiency. Over four decades, Biya transformed the presidency into a fortress. He navigated the 1990s push for democracy by allowing multiparty elections, only to master the art of the “constitutional coup.” In 2008, he famously scrapped term limits, sparking protests that left dozens dead.
The Absentee Landlord
One of the most striking aspects of Biya’s rule is his physical absence. While Cameroonians struggle with crumbling infrastructure and a lack of basic medical supplies, Biya has spent thousands of days in luxury hotels in Switzerland and France.
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The Intercontinental Life: Reports indicate he has spent over $1 million on hotel bills and private jets in a single year.
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Governance by Proxy: Critics argue he runs the country from hotel lobbies in Geneva, leaving a web of loyalist ministers and secret police to manage the “business” of the state at home.
The Martinez Zogo Tragedy: A Catalyst for Anger
The anger currently boiling over has its roots in a horrific event from January 2023. Martinez Zogo, a courageous radio host, was investigating a massive embezzlement scandal involving public funds and powerful figures close to the presidency.
On January 17, 2023, Zogo was abducted. Five days later, his mutilated body was found. The investigation led straight to the heart of the regime, involving top intelligence officials and business moguls. For many Cameroonians, Zogo’s murder was the final proof that the regime would rather kill than be exposed.
A Nation Divided: The Anglophone Crisis
The most visible crack in Biya’s “stability” is the ongoing conflict in the North-West and South-West regions. What began in 2016 as peaceful protests by English-speaking lawyers and teachers against the marginalization of the Anglophone minority turned into a civil war after the government responded with military force.
| Metric | Impact of the Anglophone Crisis |
| Casualties | Over 6,000+ lives lost. |
| Displacement | Nearly 1 million people are internally displaced. |
| Current Status | Villages burned, schools closed, and a deep-seated distrust of the central government. |
The Shadow of “Françafrique”
Why has Biya lasted so long? The answer often lies in Paris. Under the system known as Françafrique, France has historically provided diplomatic and military cover for African leaders who protect French business interests.
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Economic Control: The CFA Franc remains tied to the French treasury.
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Resource Monopolies: French companies maintain dominant stakes in oil, timber, and banking.
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Diplomatic Silence: Despite rampant evidence of election rigging and human rights abuses, international powers—including the U.S., which views Biya as an ally against Boko Haram—have often chosen “stability” over justice.
The 2025 Election and the Road to 2026
In October 2025, the government declared Biya the winner with over 53% of the vote. The opposition, led by figures like Issa Tchiroma Bakary, alleged massive fraud. Protests erupted immediately, leading to hundreds of arrests and reports of security forces using excessive force.
Now, as 2026 begins, rumors of a “dynastic succession” are louder than ever. Supporters of the regime have begun floating the name of Biya’s son, Franck Biya, as a potential successor.10 To many, this feels like the ultimate insult—the transformation of a republic into a family business.
The Ending is Yet to be Written
Cameroon is a resource-rich nation. It possesses oil, gold, cocoa, and a brilliant, young population. Yet, as Biya enters his 44th year of power, the country faces a choice: continue the “dangerous inertia” of the past four decades or forge a new path.
The protests exploding today are not just about a 92-year-old man; they are about a system that has failed to provide dignity, safety, or a future to its people. The “Puppet Master” may still hold the strings, but the people are finally starting to cut them.