93-Year-Old Cameroon Leader Gets Deputy After 43-Year Reign

Cameroon's long-serving President Paul Biya, 93, is set to appoint a deputy for the first time in his 43-year rule, a move seen as a concession to rising political tensions and calls for a transfer of power in the central African nation. Biya, who was re-elected in a disputed 2018 vote, has been the central figure in Cameroonian politics since taking power in 1982.

Biya's Lengthy Rule and Growing Unrest

Biya's eighth successive term as president has been marred by a secessionist conflict in the country's Anglophone regions, as well as accusations of electoral fraud and human rights abuses. The appointment of a deputy is widely viewed as an attempt by the aging leader to shore up his grip on power and appease critics who have called for a democratic transition.

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Cameroon has been gripped by a violent separatist insurgency in its Anglophone regions since 2016, with clashes between government forces and armed separatist groups leaving thousands dead and forcing over 700,000 people to flee their homes. The conflict has compounded the country's economic woes and fueled political instability, with Biya's government facing international criticism over its heavy-handed response to the crisis.

Biya's Power Consolidation Efforts

The decision to appoint a deputy is the latest in a series of moves by Biya to consolidate his power and prepare for an eventual transition of leadership. In 2018, the president amended the constitution to remove presidential term limits, allowing him to run for re-election indefinitely. Critics have accused Biya of using constitutional changes and security crackdowns to cling to power and suppress dissent.

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The appointment of a deputy, which must be approved by the National Assembly, is seen as a concession to rising political pressure and calls for a more inclusive government. However, many remain skeptical that the move will lead to meaningful democratic reforms or a smooth transition of power in the near future.

Challenges Ahead for Biya and Cameroon

Biya's long reign has been marked by a widening of economic and social disparities, as well as the marginalization of the country's Anglophone minority. As the president approaches the final years of his life, Cameroon faces a critical juncture, with the need for political reforms and a peaceful resolution to the secessionist conflict becoming increasingly urgent.

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The appointment of a deputy, if handled properly, could be a first step towards a more inclusive and democratic political system. However, much will depend on the powers and responsibilities granted to the new position, as well as Biya's willingness to engage in meaningful dialogue with the opposition and address the root causes of the country's crises.