Cameroon: Facing Strong Challenge, Biya Seeks to Reinforce Support Base in Maroua

By Boris Esono Nwenfor

BUEA, Cameroon – Cameroon’s long-serving President Paul Biya on Tuesday addressed thousands of supporters in the northern city of Maroua, urging them to renew their trust in his leadership as he seeks an eighth term in office in the October 12 presidential election.

At 92, Biya, one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders, said his determination to serve remains “intact,” vowing to tackle youth unemployment, improve infrastructure, and strengthen national unity.

“I am well aware of the problems that are of concern to you,” Biya told the cheering crowd. “Youth unemployment, poor roads, and energy challenges are not insurmountable. The best is still to come.”

The rally, held at Maroua, marked Biya’s first major public appearance of the campaign season. The president, who has ruled Cameroon since 1982, was accompanied by First Lady Chantal Biya and top officials of the ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM).

Biya thanked the people of the Far North Region for their “unwavering loyalty,” praising their courage and resilience in the face of security and economic challenges.

“Despite the false omens, the slander, the fabrications, you have remained steadfast in your support of my efforts to make our dear and beautiful country a land of peace and prosperity,” he said.

Pledges for Jobs and Youth Empowerment

In his speech, Biya acknowledged widespread frustration with unemployment and pledged to intensify efforts to create jobs and support entrepreneurship among young people.

He announced that government teams are working on “innovative ideas” to drastically reduce joblessness, including expanding vocational training and strengthening the National Employment Fund.

“My goal is that every young person, wherever they may be, should have the opportunity to find a job or become an entrepreneur,” Biya said. “No young Cameroonian will be left behind.”

He also promised increased investment in vocational training for growth sectors, including agriculture, livestock farming, crafts, and digital technology.

Infrastructure and Energy Commitments

Turning to infrastructure, Biya said that the government would prioritise the rehabilitation of degraded roads and the construction of new ones, citing major projects such as the Mora–Dabanga–Kousseri and Ngaoundere–Garoua highways. He said: “We have fought hard to raise the necessary funding, and work has now begun. Your ordeal will soon end.”

Biya pointed to ongoing progress in energy projects, including the Nachtigal hydroelectric dam, and pledged to complete others such as Bini in Warak and Kikot–Mbebe, as well as expand solar power plants in northern regions. He also promised to improve access to education and healthcare, highlighting the creation of regional hospitals and the development of new schools and universities.

Addressing insecurity caused by Boko Haram and organised crime along the borders, Biya praised the armed forces and local vigilante committees for their role in restoring peace.

“Our elite units are deployed to particularly hard-hit areas of Logone et Chari and Mayo Tsanaga,” he said. “Security will continue to improve, paving the way for investment, tourism, and farming to thrive again.” He reaffirmed his commitment to the unity and stability of Cameroon, calling on citizens to remain “courageous, ingenious, and supportive.”

Facing Political Challenges

Biya’s rally comes amid growing political tension ahead of Sunday’s vote. His main rival in 2018, Maurice Kamto, was disqualified from the race, while other opposition candidates have failed to unite behind a single contender, an outcome analysts say increases Biya’s chances of another victory.

The president’s most prominent challenger this year is Issa Tchiroma Bakary, a former government spokesperson who defected in June, accusing Biya’s administration of mismanaging the country’s resources. Tchiroma has drawn large crowds during his campaign, but it remains unclear whether his popularity can translate into a serious electoral threat.

Biya reaffirmed his desire to “continue the great adventure” of leading Cameroon toward modernity and prosperity. He said: “Since my accession to the supreme magistracy, I have remained steadfast in making our dear country a united, peaceful, modern, and prosperous nation. We will firmly and confidently continue our march towards progress.”