Paul Biya's Social Media Targets Defecting Officials as 2025 Election Looms

The 92-year-old president, who has governed Cameroon since 1982 and has been notably absent from public view in recent months, used his official platforms to rail against what he termed "demagogues" and "late-blooming democrats." The message, delivered through a digital medium, marks a rare direct engagement from a leader often perceived as detached due to his advanced age.

"Who are these ambitious men who suddenly recover a democratic virginity so late in life?" read a post on the president's official accounts.

While the message refrained from naming individuals, it surfaced days after several senior figures, including former ministers, announced their intentions to run for the nation's top office. These declarations signify a notable fracturing within the ruling elite's traditionally tight-knit ranks.

President Biya further chastised those he accused of having contributed little to the nation, claiming their unity stemmed solely from a desire for power. "Who are these demagogues who have built nothing, who can only unite to destroy, and whose personal ambition is their only political program?" he added.

The strong language is widely interpreted as a direct response to the unexpected candidacies of long-time allies who, after decades of perceived loyalty or silence, are now positioning themselves as proponents of democratic change. Observers suggest such high-profile defections from within the ruling establishment could trigger swift repercussions, with the possibility of trumped-up corruption charges against the former ministers a widely anticipated move.

The online statement represents one of the clearest indications that President Biya's inner circle is closely monitoring the evolving political landscape within his government and party. Though Biya has yet to confirm whether he will seek another term, his recent social media activity underscores growing apprehension within the presidential palace regarding internal dissent and emerging power struggles.

Analysts suggest the timing and blunt tone of the message reflect increasing unease at the highest levels of the state, as Cameroon navigates what is anticipated to be one of its most unpredictable electoral seasons in decades.

With figures like Bello Bouba Maïgari, a veteran politician and former prime minister, officially breaking ranks to pursue the presidency, Biya's social media broadside appears intended not only to discredit defectors but also to reassert his authority and delineate between continued loyalty and perceived betrayal. More resignations and candidacies are expected in the lead-up to the October 2025 election, as political alignments continue to shift.