Book celebrating Biya unveiled in Yaounde.

This was during a ceremony at the Conviviality Hall of the National Museum. The 202-page essay is authored by seasoned journalist, Simon Metsengue.

In a review of the book, Prof Michel Oyane, highlighted its coverage of security challenges including Boko Haram in the Far North and the separatist threat in the North West and South West Regions. 

“It also tackles the shortcomings of neo-colonialism as well as industrialisation in Cameroon under President Biya’s leadership”, Oyane stated.

The Publisher and Editor of the book, Cathy Meba, expressed gratitude to the personalities who supported the author. 

She further described the book as the work of a passionate supporter of the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement, CPDM. 

“This essay aims to guide all Cameroonians in their decisions, especially with the upcoming presidential election,” she added.

The author, Simon Metsengue, emphasised the need for historical perspective. 

“Away from all polemics, Cameroonians need to compare the Cameroon of yesterday with that of today to make a better choice during the upcoming election. This essay is an invitation for each and every Cameroonian to think positively about the future of Cameroon,” Metsengue stated.

He made a claim regarding international recognition. 

“With the marvellous work of President Biya, he merits the Nobel Peace Prize. This book analyses the Nobel Peace Prize awards of the past 20 years. We contest the credibility of this award because President Biya deserves it,” Metsengue declared.

About the Book

“Ultimes Combats du Grand Nobel Africain” examines President Paul Biya’s commitment to establishing Cameroon as a nation fully in control of its destiny, requiring political, military and economic sovereignty. 

It asserts that Biya achieved political independence in 1990 and secured military independence in 2009. 

This milestone followed Cameroon’s successful military, legal and diplomatic resolution of the Bakassi Peninsula dispute with Nigeria in 2006.

Furthermore, the book narrates President Biya’s handling of internal and external challenges, including economic, security and health crises, crediting him with maintaining stability. 

It also notes that Biya’s long presidency is marked by a strong commitment to peace and global peace initiatives, yet he has never received the Nobel Peace Prize. This omission prompts the question of whether it is now or too late for such recognition.

About the Author

Simon Metsengue, who hails from the Centre Region, is a freelance journalist specialised in political reporting. 

He served as Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of the International Magazine, Afrique Orient Business Magazine, between 2015 and 2020 and is the Promoter of the online media outlet www.cameroes.cm. Metsengue currently works at the Communication Secretariat of the CPDM Central Committee.

The book launch ceremony was chaired by Technical Adviser No. 1 at the Ministry of Arts and Culture, representing the Minister. 

“Ultimes Combats du Grand Nobel Africain” was first printed in May 2025.

By Albert Njebus, Journalism student on internship 

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3505 of Wednesday July 16, 2025