Cameroon has one of the world's longest serving leaders. Paul Biya was elected in 1982 and has remained president ever since. At the time he was seen as a reformer and a new wave of African leaders who wanted change in the political system. However, during the 1980s Biya was able to remove political rivals. Cameroon did not have a multi-party system until 1990. The opposition parties have claimed they are being harassed by the government. Allegations of electoral fraud have been made. Now the 90 year old head of state governs in a country and continent much different when Biya first entered government. It was 1964 when Paul Biya became director of the Cabinet of the minister of national education. The Constitution was revised to allow Paul Biya to run for president multiple times. The end of presidential term limits caused public protests. Paul Biya would best be described as de-facto president for life. Frustration grows as the oil wealth has not been used to improve the standard of living in Cameroon. The outbreak of the Ambazonia War has caused more division in the country. Uncertainty remains about a post-Biya Cameroon. Cameroon might become like Togo, Chad, or formerly Gabon with dynastic succession.
No comments:
Post a Comment