Cameroon’s President Paul Biya has recently increased his activity on social media, posting daily quotes and reflections—a notable departure from his longstanding communication style. Traditionally, Biya has maintained a low profile on social media and in public discourse. His communications were typically limited to formal occasions such as the end-of-year address, the February message to youths, and New Year greetings.
On social media, Biya’s posts were rare, generally reserved for official visits to the Unity Palace or announcements of signed decrees. This pattern of limited public engagement earned him a reputation for silence, inspiring a researcher to publish a book titled Silence de la president.
There have been periods of extended absence. For instance, five years ago, Biya went unobserved for over a month, sparking rumours about his health and even death. The Washington Post ran a headline, “The mystery of Cameroon’s unusually absent president: ‘Sir, are you alive?’” after he was unseen for 35 days.
Similarly, following a visit to China last year, Biya’s whereabouts remained unclear for around 45 days before the government released a statement confirming he was in Europe. These absences and the resulting public speculation are not new patterns but rather longstanding characteristics of his presidency.
In 2004, upon returning from a lengthy European stay, Biya stated publicly that those who wished him dead would have to wait another 25 years. This remark encapsulated the familiarity Cameroonians have developed with his sporadic visibility.
A Shift Ahead of the 2025 Elections
Cameroon is less than three months away from a crucial presidential election, and the country faces uncertainty over Biya’s intentions. At 92 years old and after more than four decades in power, his decision to run—or not—will significantly impact the nation’s political future.
Internal tensions within the ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM) add complexity to the situation. Some party members question Biya’s eligibility to stand again, and resistance is growing in key CPDM strongholds in both the South and the North, where millions reportedly oppose his candidacy.
Amid these challenges, Biya has notably increased his social media presence, leading analysts to interpret this as a gradual campaign move. His posts have evolved from rare appearances to daily reflections that critique poor governance, denounce human rights abuses, and warn against tribalism and ethnic politics—topics seemingly at odds with his administration’s record.
Moreover, some of Biya’s posts have referenced speeches dating back to 1990, further marking a shift in his communication strategy.
Possible Influence from Maurice Kamto?
Maurice Kamto, leader of the Cameroon Renaissance Movement (CRM), has maintained a consistent daily presence on social media for approximately two years. His “Panse du Kamto” posts—regular reflections on current affairs—have gained substantial traction among Cameroonians.
Observers note that Paul Biya’s recent social media activity bears similarities to Kamto’s approach. Biya has escalated his posts to twice daily, sometimes sharing messages that contradict his government’s past actions.
This shift raises questions about whether Biya is adopting a tactic pioneered by Kamto to engage the electorate more directly, especially ahead of the upcoming elections.
President Paul Biya’s recent increase in social media activity represents a notable change in his long-established communication style. As Cameroon approaches a pivotal election, Biya’s daily quotes —some echoing criticisms and themes popularised by opposition figures like Maurice Kamto—suggest a strategic effort to reconnect with the public and shape political narratives. Whether this signals an official candidacy announcement or a broader shift in governance remains to be seen.
