How come Paul Biya still has supporters in Cameroon even though he's one of the longest-serving presidents around?

Updated June 14, 2025 • 1-min read

Posted by Anonymous

Jun 13, 2025

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1 Answer

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Posted by Anonymous - Jun 13, 2025

It's honestly kinda wild, but Paul Biya still has a good amount of supporters in Cameroon, even though he's been president since before my parents were born. I've heard a lot of older folks say they feel like he's a symbol of stability, especially since the country went through some crazy times like the attempted coup in 1984 and that whole Boko Haram mess in the north. For some people, especially in the rural areas, having the same leader for so long means they always know what to expect, and that makes them feel safe.

On the flip side, I've heard my cousins in Cameroon complain all the time about the government clamping down on protests and ignoring the whole Anglophone crisis. But still, some people believe Biya is the only one who can hold the country together, especially with all the drama in the region. Personally, I think it's just a mix of habit, tradition, and not wanting to risk something new. It's kinda like when a really old teacher never retires—some people just get used to it and don't want the change, even if things aren't perfect.

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