Editorial: When Biya sleeps with one eye open!.

The Minister of State, Minister of Justice and Keeper of the Seals, Laurent Esso, the longest serving member of government in the Biya regime, has been quoted by the media as saying "Paul Biya only sleeps with one eye open".

The minister of justice knows what he is talking about. 

He is one of the Head of State's closest collaborators and vice chair of the Higher Judiciary Council, which appoints, promotes and sanctions erring magistrates with Biya as chairman. 

The two personalities are said to be linked by bonds of faithful friendship for years.

He is reported to have by that expression extolled the alertness of the Head of State at Place de La Besseke in Douala, on August 3 during a ceremony he chaired for  the screening of a documentary  titled: “Paul Biya, a great Statesman, with a prodigious destiny”. 

A statement by the President of the Littoral Regional Council, Hon Banlog Polycarpe, pointed out that the ceremony was "…essentially devoted to highlighting the Man of Renewal, President of the Republic, His Excellency Paul Biya, Head of State, since his accession to the supreme office on November 6, 1982”.

The documentary, which portrays Biya's legacy, tapestry woven with infectious aura of panache, glamour and achievements, was first shown in Yaounde last March.

The sixty-minute documentary, reviewed by articulate commentators who watched it, questioned if it was "a cinematic portrait or propaganda?"

The premiere was attended by the political shakers and movers in the capital city at the Yaounde Conference Centre, before being taken to other Regions. 

Before Douala, the documentary had been taken to Bertoua in the East Region. 

It is to celebrate the achievements and leadership of President Paul Biya. 

However, its laudatory tone and selective narrative have left many questioning its objectivity.

According to one commentator, "the documentary weaves together real-life history, personal testimonies, and fictional elements to chronicle Paul Biya’s remarkable 42-year reign. From his victories to the trials he faced, the film paints a vivid portrait of the Cameroonian president. Voices from diverse segments of society, children to elite, share their perspectives on Biya’s leadership".

Critics however argue that the documentary veers into propaganda territory, elevating Biya to heroic status. 

"The omission of Cameroon’s endemic corruption and the concentration of power in the hands of a few casts a shadow over the celebratory narrative."

The glorification of the seventh term Head of State, who is being called upon by his political acolytes to take an eighth seven-year term, given his advanced age of 91, raises the issue of an uncertain future, even by institutions such as the International Monetary Fund, IMF.

In the dimly lit cinema halls of Yaounde and Douala and personal parlours, where viewers watched the film, some political pundits say it is a "skillful political maneuver orchestrated by power strategists...working with determination to prepare public opinion for a new presidential candidacy by Paul Biya, for the seven-year term of great performances (2025-2032). Contrary to speculation that suggests a possible political retirement of the president, the corridors of power reveal a completely different reality.  Think Tanks scattered across the capital, are working hard to put in place a coherent strategy aimed at consolidating popular support around the emblematic figure of Biya".

His trip to the Paris Olympic Games is also said to have been to consolidate his diplomatic clout and proved his alertness on the international stage.

At The Guardian Post, we have no qualms with those who want President Biya to stand for an eighth seven-year term at 92, next year. They have a right to their opinion, which is the bedrock of democracy.

What we do hold vehemently is that his regime should ensure the opposition, especially credible challengers like Maurice Kamto and Hon Cabral Libii, should not be prevented from contesting, given speculations that the postponement of municipal and parliamentary elections was to target them.

The government however attributed it to financial constraints to hold multiple elections in one year. 

The documentary has projected the achievements of the Head of State in 42 years in power but beyond the cinematographic and media spotlight, it is the silent majority facing an excruciating cost of living. 

This majority hold the legitimate power to change or maintaining the status quo.

They should be encouraged to register massively and make their collective choice in a free, fair, transparent and credible election. This so on Election Day, everyone can sleep with one eye to ensure their vote counts as dictated by the canons of democracy.

This Story was first published in The Guardian Post issue N0:3193 of Thursday August 08, 2024