Man who called President Biya ‘the messiah’ says a coup is eminent in Cameroon

Saint Eloi Bidoung, who years ago described President Biya as the ‘messiah’ of the people, is now stating that the coup in Gabon that forced Ali Bongo out of power should be an “eye opener for Cameroon.”

Mr. Bidoung did not mince words when he said a country’s leader can be elected by 99 percent and still get ousted in a coup.

“When democracy is confiscated, it can lead to a coup d’état, when the governance is Bad, it can lead to a coup d’état. When fraud or embezzlement is valued, it Can lead to a coup d’état. When power is abused, it Can lead to a coup d’état. When successions and not elections are organised, it Can lead to a coup d’état,” Bidoung declared.

“Let us use this opportunity to tell President Paul Biya that it is still time for Cameroon to escape an eventual coup d’état,” Bidoung said, adding, “A full clean-up needs to be done. We cannot have ministers holding posts of responsibility for more than 50 years. Tables need to turn.”

Bidoung was speaking in political TV debate on Cam TV called [Grand Débat]

Bidoung’s warning is a stark reminder of the fragility of democracy in Cameroon. Since its independence in 1960, the Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement has ruled the nation. President Biya, who has been in power for 40 years, is the oldest head of state in Africa.

Transcribed by Washira Helene