Chantal Biya Celebrates CPDM Anniversary Touring President Biya’s Estate

While members of the Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM) gathered nationwide to celebrate its 40th anniversary on March 24, First Lady Chantal Biya took an exception.

Instead of joining party militants, she travelled to her husband’s village in Mvomeka’a, South Region, where she toured President Paul Biya’s estate.

According to state broadcaster CRTV, Chantal Biya visited the president’s poultry complex, palm plantation, and cattle ranch.

President Biya owns the South Region’s largest poultry farm, a palm plantation, and a thriving cattle ranch.

This explains why his wife, Chantal Biya, could comfortably visit—having secured wealth at a personal level.

State media reports that the poultry complex she toured was established in 1990. It produces 7,000 eggs daily and houses 40,000 agricultural fowls and old layers.

“From here, the First Lady, Chantal Biya, makes her way to Paris Set, a thriving cattle ranch also owned by President Paul Biya. This impressive ranch not only boasts a robust cattle operation but also produces 14 litres of milk in one session,” CRTV reported.

Biya’s Personal Achievements vs. National Challenges

While the CPDM may have achieved much on paper, its greatest success seems to be at a personal level—for Paul Biya and his family and top members of the ruling party.

CPDM members argue the party has made significant achievements, maintaining political dominance by winning all presidential elections and securing control over Parliament, both in the Senate and National Assembly.

However, under CPDM rule, unemployment, poverty, and economic hardship have worsened, pushing many young Cameroonians into illegal migration in search of better opportunities.

For those who have decided to stay in the country, they are faced with deplorable roads, inadequate access to electricity and clean water.

Housing, healthcare, and the rising cost of basic commodities remain persistent challenges after 40 years of the CPDM in power.

Despite these national struggles, President Paul Biya has successfully expanded his personal business ventures in the South.

Meanwhile, CPDM youth militants who march to celebrate the party’s anniversary are often seen scrambling for bread and sardines.

Videos circulating online often show party supporters fighting over transportation money and food.

Biya’s Longevity in Power

Paul Biya has been CPDM’s chairman and “natural candidate” since 1985, two years after becoming Head of State.

Before assuming the presidency, he had been in government since the 1960s, shortly after Cameroon’s independence in 1960.

In 1982, he became president, succeeding Ahmadou Ahidjo, Cameroon’s first head of state, who resigned.

At the time, Cameroon was under a single-party system, with the Cameroon National Union (CNU) as the sole political party.

While Biya served as president, Ahidjo remained CNU chairman. However, tensions emerged between the two just few years into Biya’s mandate, leading to Ahidjo’s political downfall.

On March 24, 1985, in Bamenda, Biya transformed the CNU into the CPDM, assuming leadership as its pioneer chairman. Since then, the party has preached unity and progress.

However, that unity has been challenged, especially with the reintroduction of multiparty politics in 1990.