Our website use cookies to improve and personalize your experience and to display advertisements (if any). Our website may also include cookies from third parties like Google Adsense, Google Analytics, and Youtube. By using the website, you consent to the use of cookies.

Cameroon president’s 90th birthday marked by cocktail of woes

Cameroon president’s 90th birthday marked by cocktail of woes

AMINDEH BLAISE ATABONG EDITH Kah Walla was at the front of a crowd of students that welcomed Cameroon's new president Paul Biya on a tour of the United States in 1984, full of hope that the young leader would bring stability and democracy, and end corruption. Four decades on, Biya, now the world's oldest leader, turns 90 on Monday. When he cuts a large cake, as he usually does on his birthday, Kah Walla, who was one of Biya's challengers in the 2011 presidential election, will not be celebrating. Her support for Biya evaporated over the years as economic progress…
Read More
Cameroon’s Biya is Africa’s oldest president: assessing his 38 years in power

Cameroon’s Biya is Africa’s oldest president: assessing his 38 years in power

CAMEROON’S President Paul Biya celebrated his 88th birthday recently, making him the oldest president in Africa. He has been in power for 38 years. Birthday celebrations held across the country were met with protest by the opposition, demanding that he step down. So, how has he acquitted himself in office, and what has been his legacy for Cameroon? JULIUS A. AMIN, Professor, Department of History, University of Dayton Cameroonians welcomed Biya when he became president in November 1982. The peaceful transfer of power by his predecessor Ahmadou Ahidjo won Cameroon praise as an example to emulate in Africa, where leaders…
Read More