2025 presidential election: Over 50,000 Far North youth beg Biya to seek re-election.

This is what emerged from a public rally staged Wednesday May 17, in the town of Mokolo, Mayo-Tsanaga Division of the Far North Region.

Spearheaded by the Minister of Public Health, Dr Manaouda Malachie, the youth, who attended the rally, came from the length and breadth of the Far North Region.

It was the first time, in recent memory, that such a rally was being staged in the town of Mokolo.

Christened the "Appeal of the Youth of the Far North Region", the campaign was an initiative of Minister Manaouda Malachie, who is the youngest member of government.

Minister Manaouda Malachie's invitation seemed to have been widely received by the youth, who thronged the ceremonial ground in Mokolo. 

They came from the Far North Region and beyond. 

No fewer than 50,000 young people from the Far North Region, as well as the North and Adamawa Regions, attended Wednesday’s political rally.

"I am very happy to welcome you to Mokolo for this great gathering for an emerging historical movement in the life of our country, Cameroon. I wish to invite the entire Cameroonian youth to join us in our crusade, because the cause is good and just. It is about supporting a great man, giving strength to his works and ideas for a Cameroon that he has been able to keep in peace, united and indivisible, strong and respected on the international scene. This great man, you have guessed it, is His Excellency Paul Biya", Minister Manaouda Malachie, told jubilant attendees at Wednesday’s heavily attended support rally.

The Minister also called on youth of the area to stand behind President Paul Biya.

Taking the cue during the rally, frontline CPDM supporter and member of the Organising Committee of the political get-together, Jean Sawalda said President Paul Biya is the choice of the people of the Far North Region.

"It is for us to reassure the President of the Republic that he is and remains the best bet for the future of Cameroon. At a time when some opinion maintains the dark idea of an unconstitutional succession, we remain focused on our champion. He and he alone is the guarantee for the stability and development of our country,” he told supporters.

He then stated: “If he should decide to renew his mandate with the Cameroonian people, we want to tell him today…that it is still him and no one else. That is why we initiated this call".

In addition to the distinguished guests from the ranks of the CPDM, the rally in Mokolo attracted thousands of young people from other political parties and other associations who joined the chorus. 

In attendance were political heavyweights like the daughter of the country’s first president, Aminatou Ahidjo, Hon Salmana Amadou Ali of the National Salvation Front Party, Senator and National Chairman of the Movement for the Defense of the Republic, MDR party, Djorwé Paulin, General Managers, Chairpersons of Boards of Directors of state corporations, Mayors and Municipal Councillors of several localities of the Far North Region and CPDM Section Presidents from all over the three northern Regions. 

In addition, the political leaders of the youth wings of the CPDM, from parts of the Northern Regions, attended the meeting. 

Speaking at the close of the rally, a seemingly-satisfied Minister Manaouda Malachie, stated that "…the youth of the Far North Region are making a clear and solemn statement today on an issue that is both sensitive and decisive for our country through this appeal”.

He said the historic mobilisation was also an expression of recognition of a "Man of peace and consensus, a true father of the nation, a man of duty and conviction, a guarantor of the country's stability and security in the towns and villages…".

In the same vein, the spokespersons of the various delegations each praised the initiative in their speeches. 

They were categorical that "for the time being and in the current circumstances, President Paul Biya remains the best choice for 2025”.

The political gathering culminated in a solidarity march which ended at the SDO’s office in Mokolo.