President Paul Biya’s employment policy leaves Cameroonian youth divided

President Paul Biya of Cameroon has promised the creation of half a million decent jobs for Cameroonian youths.

Addressing youth on the 10th of February 2021 to mark the 55th edition of national youth day, the 88-year-old president said his government disbursed the sum of 15 billion francs CFA to sponsor the three-year youth employment plan that ended in 2020.

Statements and statistics of president Paul Biya on job creation have divided youth in the country. To Kwei Nathaniel, “the figures given are not realistic and equally far insufficient. Look at the millions of youths still roaming the streets looking for jobs. This is a clear indication that unemployment is and remains a major societal issue in Cameroon.”

According to him, Paul Biya’s speech is void of concrete statements that can make young people dream again in Cameroon.

This is not the point of view of Kedia Robert. According to the political analyst “…when I listen to the speech of the president, am happy that he has a listening ear to the problem of youth. He promises to create 500.000 decent jobs. This means not dirty jobs will be created but good ones”. The militant of the Cameroon People Democratic Movement adds that it’s left to youth to seize the opportunity and maintain peace in Cameroon so that all that has been promised can be realized.”

“For over 38 years, President Paul Biya has proven that he cannot be trusted. He is a president that is not accountable to anyone so his promises are political because failure to implement will not generate any sanction,” Fabien Ntanghe, a militant of an opposition political party has stated.

In the domain of security, the president says it needs a collective effort.

“Each generation has a specific task to do. This generation has as an assignment to preserve peace,” President Paul Biya has stated.

He however regrets that some young people have joined demonic groups calling for the division of Cameroon. He applauds the military and young people working in vigilante groups in their efforts to preserve peace.

While applauding the organization of the African Football Championship this year, Paul Biya remains optimistic in his seventeen minutes address to youth that the organization will be better in the 2022 African Cup of Nations.



Mbatho Ntan.