Cameroon’s opposition parties are urging citizens to follow the example of Senegal, where a young leader was recently elected. This comes as President Paul Biya, in his 90s and ruling for over four decades, prepares for re-election.
Senegal’s March 24th election, which saw a 44-year-old politician win the presidency, has sparked discussions across Cameroon. Opposition members and citizens alike see it as a chance for democratic change. Njamnsi Theodore, a teacher, emphasizes voter registration as a key takeaway from Senegal’s success. He believes active participation is crucial for electing desired leaders.
The victory of opposition candidate Bassirou Diomaye Faye in Senegal, fueled by young voters, stands in stark contrast to Cameroon’s situation. Here, voter apathy is high due to concerns of election fraud. President Biya, who has won every election since multi-party politics returned in 1990, is seeking another term.
Opposition figures believe Senegal proves long-ruling leaders can be replaced. They point out how President Macky Sall’s attempt to delay elections led to protests and ultimately, his backing down. Mbang Boniface, a member of the Renaissance Movement Party, emphasizes youth participation as the key to ousting Biya. He sees Senegal’s young voters as inspiration, believing they understand the needs of their generation better than the aging leadership in Cameroon.
However, political analyst Samson Websi cautions against a simple comparison. Unlike Senegal, Cameroon’s government institutions lack independence. Biya’s control over the system, including the judiciary and parliament, makes a similar outcome less certain. Websi sees Senegal as a reminder of the challenges Cameroon faces in strengthening its democracy.
