Biya's 8th term pledges unmet one year later
Promises to prioritize youth and women remain unfulfilled, with corruption and insecurity persisting.
One year after President Paul Biya's oath for his eighth term, many commitments made on November 6, 2026, have not materialized. While the ruling CPDM party celebrated Biya's 44th anniversary in power, key pledges regarding youth and women, institutional reform, and government formation are still pending.
Despite promises to place young people and women at the heart of his mandate, these groups continue to face unemployment, inadequate training, high living costs, and limited access to decision-making roles. Public funds are reportedly being diverted, and various illicit trades are costing the nation billions. The establishment of a vice-president position, a result of the April 2026 constitutional revision, remains vacant, awaiting nomination.
The formation of a new government, announced eight months ago, has also been delayed, leaving some ministerial posts vacant or combined under existing ministers for nearly a year. Insecurity and armed violence persist across the country, despite assurances from the state that the situation is under control. The CPDM is encouraging youth and women to engage in upcoming legislative and municipal elections as a partial solution.
Why it mattersCameroon's citizens, particularly youth and women, continue to experience economic hardship and insecurity despite presidential pledges made a year ago.