Biya begins eighth term with more empty promises!.

But his inaugural speech, which gave an idea of how the next seven years will be for ordinary Cameroonians, analysts are saying, was far from meeting the growing expectations of Cameroonians.

Critics say for the most part, Biya’s speech, shortly after he swore to serve without reserve, was void of inspiration and full of what citizens have been hearing for the last 43 years.

For a mandate which he won within a difficult context, dropping points to a mere 53.66 percent of the votes, from 71.28 percent just seven years ago, Biya’s eight term speech, analysts say, was not only full of empty promises but “deja entendu” promises.

Given the current sociopolitical context with millions of citizens clamouring for change and a mark shift in the conduct of State business, observers say, Biya rather engaged in semantic rigmarole, instead of addressing the heat of the moment.

The crux of the matter, which Biya, some are saying, turned a blind eye to are; a review of the Electoral Code to avoid a repeat of the post-election tension the country is buried in; ordering the release of all those arbitrarily arrested and detained after the October 12 post-election crisis; taking a decisive step to end the Anglophone crisis; ordering investigations into the shooting to death of civilians during recent protests and the situation of other political prisoners.

President Biya, some are saying, failed to set the tone for reconciliation, peace and national unity, which he himself has repeatedly heralded. They say the President also apparently swayed away from insisting on the urgent need for a just and equitable society to promote inclusion.

Citizens under pressure, Biya making promises 

For many observers of the polity, today’s Cameroon show citizens are going through hell, with spiraling costs of living, inadequate social services and a broken health system coupled with widespread looting and arrogance from those charged with serving citizens.

Contrary to expectations, the President, in his inaugural address, looked away in the face of dilapidating and broken road infrastructure nationwide, epileptic power supply, acute shortage of potable water, even in urban towns and cities and poor waste management and drainage system. 

In such a dispensation, those who disagreed with Biya’s yesterday’s promises, say lifting suspension on doctoral studies and ordering entrance exams into teacher training colleges are insignificant and empty moves that will not move the aspirations of Cameroonians by an inch!

In the same line of reasoning, pundits say, after 43 years and still counting, Biya’s promise to focus on youths and women, rather sends a message of tacit admission of neglect for the same groups of persons since he came to power.

President Biya, others argue, has a history of promises to the electorate that have either been partly fulfilled or never saw the light of day.  They qualify his commitment to boosting social services and create opportunities for young people as bogus political camouflage to play with time.

Smarting from Biya’s promises to women and the youth yesterday, political observers say they will only take him see serious, if in the days ahead, he appoints women and young people into some of the juicy positions being occupied by aging and deadwoods, who, in a civilised country, should be at home playing with their great great grandchildren. 

More borrowing, more promises as embezzlement spirals 

Another area where Biya’s inaugural promises have been put in the nadir is his promise to raise money from local banks and international organisations in the interest of youths and women.

Those who see in the promise nothing concrete, say Biya, has in the last couple of years, ordered the borrowing of similar and other projects with nothing tangible on ground to show for.

Inflation, youth underemployment and unemployment, analysts say, are galloping, despite the nice political declarations of the Head of State. Some of his most cited projects, such as the Special Triennial Youth Plant, that came into light in 2016, with a starting budget of 102 billion FCFA, watchers of the policy say, has been mired in mismanagement, nepotism and other opaque practices.

That Biya has up till toady not punished such alleged wrongdoing, including those accused of mismanaging and swindling COVID-19 funds and those implicated in the disappearance of billions borrowed to construct stadia for the 2019 AFCON among several others, analysts are advancing, put to question the Head of State’s promise to launch a fresh fight against corruption.

For others, he has in the last three years repeatedly promised to intensify a crackdown on corruption, with no action taken. Many are adding to it the non-implementation of Article 66 of the Constitution on the declaration of assets, as a pointer that he may just be making another empty promise. 

Key no-go areas for women, youths 

Where Biya’s yesterday’s speech has also been put to question by critics is the outlook of his appointments and current government. Across successive governments and positioning of persons to positions of responsibility, observers say women and youth have always come as an afterthought of sorts for Biya.

In a dispensation wherein most of those calling the shots across  all levels of governance, are pictured as belonging to a coterie, erected by Biya himself across decades, how he breaks from the same pattern, is also raising concerns, some are saying.

But what has Biya promised?

Despite the criticisms, the Head of State yesterday, promised sweeping reforms to up the performance of the State, as he begins a new mandate. 

He gave to understanding that he knows Cameroonians at home and abroad have high expectations for the mandate just beginning.

Situating his experience within context, Biya assured that he will do everything within his power to deliver reforms that will make the government more productive in the interest of citizens.

He was specific that bills will be introduced in Parliament to adjust certain aspects of the State architecture for reforms to start bearing fruits.

Biya stated that in line with what he had promised citizens during campaigns to focus on women and youths, his team had long exchanged widely to listen to concerns of citizens. 

While promising to spare no efforts in service to the citizenry, the Head of State said he will search the basket of proposals, suggestions and recommendations to respond to the concerns expressed. 

“I will not rest in serving irrespective of challenges and difficulties. That is the sense of my oath.  I know the situation of the country. I know the frustrations of the population. I know the importance of the work of Head of State,” Biya stated.

Biya restated what he maintained is “a new promise” to stay true to the ideals that have guided him in serving Cameroon for the last 43 years. 

In doing so, Biya said he is counting on the backing of “God and the Cameroonian people” to led a united, stable and prosperous country.

“I know like you, it is a difficult task. I have love for the interest of my people. When you benefit from the support of your people, you will overcome,” the Head of State reiterated.

Other announcements 

Beyond the affirmation of legislative reforms to power efficiency, Biya touched on other things which he said fit into his campaign promise of focusing on women and youths if voted into office.

He disclosed that in the 2026 State budget; considerable allocation will be made to support youth and women empowerment. He singled out the promotion of girl child education and other productive ventures 

Biya declared that “the situation of youths and women are at the heat of my actions”, adding that he will initiate actions to enhance the promotion and protection of women and young people. 

Renewed interest, he also said, will be in sustaining gains made in professional training and opening up new employment opportunities.

The Head of State also disclosed the putting in place of a special youth promotion plan. The plan, he noted, will encompass companies and other private ventures that will empower young people. 

He also talked of engagements to mobilise finances, through local banks and international funders to spur human capital development in several sectors.

Specifically, the man of November 6, 1982, who assumed office yet again yesterday, on a day that coincided with his 43^rd anniversary at the helm of State, cited key domains of interest. 

Among them, he mentioned, the digital economy, mining, agriculture and service industries.

Lifts suspension of PhD studies, teachers’ recruitment 

Other novelties in Biya’s speech yesterday were the lifting of the suspension placed on doctoral studies nationwide. 

He equally made a similar announcement for Higher Teachers’ Training Colleges, mostly known by the French contraption, ENS. 

Government had for three years running, suspended doctoral studies and direct recruitment into the public service for tutors from training colleges.

Other pledges, calls 

The Head of State also renewed his pledge to strengthen the fight against corruption and the embezzlement of public funds. 

Biya also said going forward, the current mandate will build on solidifying the completion of major projects that are still ongoing.

Biya brought to the attention of traditional rulers, elite and the local administration, what he called “community dialogue” to enhance peace. He mostly linked the need for such actions to the crisis-hit North West, South West and Far North Regions.

Biya expressed hope that through such method, the last bands of gunmen still carrying guns against the State, will gain a safe passage to disarmament centres for rehabilitation and reintegration.

Invites opponents to build, condemn destruction

Already 43 years in power and starting another fresh seven-year term, Biya extended an invitation to his opponents. 

“I extend a hand of fellowship to everyone to build a future for our country and especially our youth. Together to realise things for ourselves and future generations,” Biya noted.

The winner of the October 12, 2025 presidential election, reiterated that: “We should be together in peace and concord. I invite everyone to the work”.

He reminded everyone that: “Election has past, now is time for unity”. He noted that Cameroon is “…our common patrimony to construct, solidify and modernise and not destroy”.

While congratulating actors for the conduct of the October 12 poll, Biya condemned others whom he said rather opted to drum destruction and chaos. Cameroon, Biya argued, does not need post-election crisis but peace. 

He extended condolences to the families of those killed in the course of post-election protests and wished a speedy recovery to those injured.

‘Cameroon will continue to advance’ 

Beyond condemning violence, Biya saluted what he said has been the professionalism of security forces, declaring that “order will reign and Cameroon will continue to advance”. 

The Head of Sate praised citizens’ attachment to democracy, appealing for continuous support from national and international partners to continue fighting against terrorism and boost reconstruction efforts in the North West, South West and Far North Regions.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3618 of Friday November 07, 2025