Cameroon: Where 40-Year-Old 'Youths', Backed by 70-Year-Olds, Urge 20-Year-Olds to Beg 92-Year-Old Biya to Run for Re-election

Cameroon: Where 40-Year-Old 'Youths', Backed by 70-Year-Olds, Urge 20-Year-Olds to Beg 92-Year-Old Biya to Run for Re-election

Colbert Gwain @The Colbert Factor 

In the 1990s, a shocking incident occurred in Muteff village, located in the Fundong Subdivision of the Boyo Division in Cameroon's Northwest Region. Bo Nyam Anfali, an octogenarian with no contributions to the village's development, was embroiled in a bitter land dispute with his brother, Bobe Babelly. When Bo Nyam Anfali sought help from the courts in Fundong, gendarmes were sent to apprehend Bobe Babelly.

However, the Muteff youths objected to the planned arrest, arguing that Bo Nyam Anfali hadn't contributed to the village's development himself and shouldn't bring gendarmes to use roads he hadn't helped build. When the gendarmes insisted on taking Bobe Babelly away, the youths dismantled the Shimen bridge, preventing them from passing.

The gendarmes retreated to the village market square and negotiated with the youths. The agreement required Bo Nyam Anfali to pay outstanding development levies before bringing law enforcement to arrest his brother again. The Muteff youths prioritized village development, taking matters into their own hands to bring a recalcitrant octogenarian to account.

In contrast, Cameroon's politics are characterized by a gerontocratic system, where elderly individuals hold power. Since February 13, 2025, a peculiar scene has unfolded, with the National Youth Council's leadership announcing plans to raise 30 million CFA francs to support President Paul Biya's reelection bid.

Another group of 40-year-old individuals, referring to themselves as "youths," convened a meeting in Buea last month to convince the 90-year-old President Paul Biya to seek reelection, raising 5 million CFA francs to support his campaigns. Similarly, in Bamenda on May 10, 2025, 40-year-old "youths" enlisted the support of 20-year-olds to keep President Paul Biya in power, presenting 7 million CFA francs as contributions from the youths.

The youth rallies reflect Cameroon's gerontocratic system, where elderly individuals hold power, and younger people are often relegated to the background. Many Cameroonian youths feel their needs and challenges are ignored, leading to apathy towards the political system. Curiously, and in the run up to every election, these rented youths carry the day.

In a striking contrast, while in neighboring Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu sought the blessings of elderly statesmen during the last presidential election, in Cameroon, youths are instead reaching out to octogenarian President Paul Biya, begging him to seek reelection.

The calls for 92-years old President Biya to seek reelection despite his advanced age has sparked debate about the need for fresh perspectives and new ideas in Cameroonian politics. While some argue that his continued rule guarantees stability, others believe it's time for a new generation of leaders to take the reins.

A notable aspect of these youth rallies is that some of the youths who reportedly contributed significant amounts to President Biya's reelection campaign are approaching retirement age, having never had a chance to work in Cameroon, despite their being qualified. 

This same system is also evident in other areas, such as the workplace, where 90-year-olds convene meetings of 70-years-old to decide which of the 60-years-old should go on retirement.

Unlike the Muteff youths who demanded accountability from Bo Nyam Anfali, the Cameroonian youths in question are choosing to support President Paul Biya, who has held power for 43 years, rather than backing challengers who seek to bring about change and accountability to Cameroon's politics. .-.

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