After 42 years of leadership, President Paul Biya’s passing at 91 leaves Cameroon with an unfinished legacy of critical developmental projects that he was set to realize in his next term.
Lusaka, Oct. 9 – Cameroon’s eternal leader, President Paul Biya, who held the reins of power for an unprecedented 42 years, has passed away at the tender age of 91. His departure is nothing short of a shock for a nation still reeling from the loss of a leader who envisioned so much more. With countless developmental projects still in the pipeline, Biya was poised to complete them in his next term, a future now cut short by fate’s unyielding hand. The foundations had been laid, but without Biya to see them through, many of these transformative initiatives may now remain unrealized.
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As a statesman, Biya’s vision extended beyond the borders of Cameroon. He represented a breed of leadership that seemed intent on staying the course, believing only he could deliver the promise of prosperity. His iron grip on power was justified by his supporters as necessary to achieve the transformation his nation so desperately sought. Now, his absence leaves a glaring vacuum, not just in Cameroon but across the continent, where his decades-long rule became symbolic of Africa’s struggle between maintaining continuity and embracing change. It’s often said that “the road to hell is paved with good intentions,” and now, only time will tell how Cameroon will navigate the unfinished work Biya left behind.
In Zambia, parallels have been drawn as whispers circulate that President Hakainde Hichilema, too, might be tempted to follow Biya’s path of extended rule. He has reportedly hinted at lacunas in the Constitution that could delay elections for nearly a decade, sparking concerns about yet another African leader failing to complete his projects should the Constitutional loopholes be fixed.
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As we reflect on Biya’s passing, we are reminded that while leaders may hold the reins tightly to the extent of even raping institutions of governance with impunity, ultimately, it is the people’s desire for change that will always determine the direction of a nation. May the soul of President Paul Biya rest in peace.
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