We begin in Central Africa, where controversy is erupting just months ahead of Cameroon’s presidential election. In a move drawing both domestic and international criticism, prominent opposition leader Maurice Kamto has been barred from contesting the upcoming October 12th vote, effectively clearing the path for 92-year-old President Paul Biya the world’s oldest sitting head of state to seek an eighth term in power.
Kamto, who finished second in the disputed 2018 elections, was excluded from the official list of candidates released by the national electoral commission, ELECAM. No official explanation was provided. Of the 83 applications submitted, only 13 were approved.
President Paul Biya, who has ruled Cameroon for nearly 43 years, is among those cleared to run. Despite mounting calls to step down, the veteran leader insists he still has “much to offer” the Cameroonian people.
Among those challenging Biya are two former allies: Issa Tchiroma Bakary and Bello Bouba Maigari, both hailing from the vote-rich northern region. But Kamto’s Cameroon Renaissance Movement (CRM) was not allowed to field a candidate, reportedly due to the party’s lack of elected representatives at the national or local level.
Kamto recently joined the Manidem party, which does have local presence, but this maneuver was apparently not enough to secure his candidacy.
Several high-profile figures have been cleared to run, including anti-corruption advocate Akere Muna, Joshua Osih of the Social Democratic Front, and outspoken lawmaker Cabral Libii. The only female candidate on the list is Mayor Patricia Tomaino Ndam Njoya, known for her fiery speeches and strong support in the western town of Foumban.
Candidates barred from the race now have just 48 hours to file an appeal with Cameroon’s Constitutional Council.
Meanwhile, President Biya’s re-election campaign has taken an unexpected turn online. After years of limited public appearances and minimal digital presence, the 92-year-old leader has embraced social media with a flurry of daily posts on Facebook and X, formerly Twitter.
But analysts remain skeptical.
According to digital media experts, Biya’s online push may not be resonating with the over 60% of Cameroonians under the age of 25. Most young people rely on WhatsApp, a platform largely ignored in the president’s outreach.
“Biya’s messaging feels top-down, impersonal, and out of touch,” says Rostant Tane, a media researcher. “There’s no interaction, no segmentation, and most users know it’s not him actually speaking.”
For many young Cameroonians, flashy graphics and campaign slogans are not enough. With sky-high youth unemployment, persistent corruption, and security issues plaguing parts of the country, frustration is growing.
“Young people want real solutions, not recycled speeches,” says Falone Ngu, a 27-year-old entrepreneur. “Leadership today requires more than a social media post—it needs action.”
Communication strategist Aristide Mabatto noted that Biya’s team has been republishing excerpts from over 300 speeches spanning decades, but critics see it as tone-deaf. “Most voters weren’t even born when these speeches were first delivered,” he says.
Online reaction has been mixed—if not outright mocking.
“Looks like he just discovered the internet,” one user wrote.
“Cameroonians want roads, not hashtags,” said another.
Still, Biya’s supporters say the digital effort reflects renewed vitality and commitment.
With the clock ticking toward October, the big question remains: will Paul Biya’s digital rebrand and strategic disqualifications secure another term, or will youth dissatisfaction disrupt one of the world’s longest-running presidencies?
Only time and the ballot box will tell.
We will continue to follow this developing story from Yaoundé and beyond. Stay with SNEWS TV for continuing coverage.
Reporting by Ehud Jones
