“The French Cameroun political commentator had been invited to sing the normal CPDM praises on Biya who turned 89. However, the outspoken Dieudonne Essomba instead told the world via Club d’elites that Biya is now unable to lead Cameroon. Essomba furthered “At 89 years old, one cannot manage a country. Biya who is 89 years old is at 25% of his capacity.” (…) “In a statement published by the Groupe L’Anecdote accompanied by Essomba’s picture, Vision 4 said Dieudonne Essomba’s contract had been terminated. “We would like to advise the public that Dr. Dieudonne Essomba, who was a consultant, in the capacity of guest speaker in Club d’elites, is no longer a member of staff with immediate effect. Vision 4 disassociates itself completely with any statements, be they political or of any other nature, that he has made in the past or may make to the press in the future.” (Daily News Cameroon – ‘Who decides if President Biya is unfit to serve?’ 16.02.2022).
We know that Cameroonian President Paul Biya have been the President since 1982 and was the Prime Minister from 1975. With this knowledge, we know that Biya have been the head of state and the in the inner-circle since mid-70s. Biya has with this been 39 years in power or 471 months in office.
With this in mind… we know that Biya has had his time… and he could have expressed a fair successor or someone to takeover for him. Yes, we know the son Emmanuel Franck is in the works, but certainly the Republic of Cameroon isn’t a monarchy. Nevertheless, he hasn’t ensured that or made the preparations for it. As his family lives lavish in Geneva and only temporarily visit the republic now and then.
The ones to look out for and the ones who is really the driving force in this government. That isn’t the old and advanced aged Biya. It is true he doesn’t have the capacity and his busy eating in Switzerland anyway. So, there is other people who is running it for him.
These are most likely the likes of presidency’s secretary general, Ferdinand Ngoh Ngoh and minister of territorial administration, Paul Atanga Nji. The third fellow who could be recognized in Cameroon Joseph Dion Ngute. In this regard, the two first should be the ones to really look out for because they have real power and influence.
We are clearly seeing that the state is vindictive and reactive towards the dissenting voices. Which I am sure is a reflection of the sentiments in Cameroon. It isn’t like the ruling regime is delivering any sort of services or fruitful peace. There is still brewing conflict in the Anglophone region. Not like any of the conflict or lack of progress has been resolved. No, Biya has ruled with an iron fist from afar and that’s evident here.
That’s why the journalist who spoke out got fired and lost his job. Because, he dared to question the competence and ability of the ageing President, which anybody can understand. It is not like your growing stronger and has more abilities with advanced age. Instead your reflective mind stagnates and body winds down. That’s why retirement age is an important tool to ensure people are fit for the jobs they are working. The same should be for the heads of state too. As they are the representative and the executive with massive powers in a territory.
Biya is only prolonging the agony and there will only be more of this. It will not stop and people will question him even more. As his age and the ghosting from the Republic is so apparent. We know he lives most of his days in his “retirement” home in Switzerland. While other rules on his behalf in Cameroon. That’s why he could practically retire and let new blood rule the Republic. Since, he has served and his dictatorship should cease to exist. However, I know that is a dream, which is a nightmare for the family of Biya. Peace.
MinBane 