In brief
Despite ramping up his online presence, President Biya's efforts to connect with a young electorate face skepticism and calls for more than just digital engagement.
As Cameroon gears up for the October elections, President Paul Biya, at 92 years old and the world's oldest sitting president, is trying to revamp his approach to engage younger voters through social media. Having held power since 1982, Biya's recent intensification of online activity, including daily posts on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter), signifies a notable shift from previous communication methods. However, experts suggest that his strategy is not resonating with the youth, who comprise over 60% of the nation's population.According to Rostant Tane, a media expert and director of Media Intelligence Sarl, about 5.4 million individuals in Cameroon use social media, but a staggering 95% of young users primarily rely on WhatsApp—where Biya's communication is virtually absent. Critics highlight a lack of engaging, interactive content and claim that Biya's posts fail to resonate with young people, who seek genuine dialogue rather than a top-down approach that overlooks their concerns.Issues such as high unemployment and rampant corruption remain pivotal challenges for many youths. As Ulrich Donfack, a 27-year-old communications specialist, emphasizes, "Political communication should enhance democracy and transparency, rather than serve as a mere marketing front." Fellow youth activist Falone Ngu echoes this sentiment, asserting that young voters want to see real opportunities for change rather than attention-grabbing graphics or soundbites.While Biya's team has begun sharing excerpts from his extensive speech history—adding context to his track record—the move has not significantly stirred excitement among younger audiences. As Aristide Mabatto, a communication strategist, notes, the shift from infrequent official statements to continuous digital messaging indicates an attempt to reclaim the narrative and affirm his presence.Public sentiment remains divided; some supporters praise Biya's renewed digital outreach, while many online comments reflect skepticism, with users quipping that Biya seems late to the internet party. Comments on his posts include critiques like, "Cameroonians want roads, not hashtags."With the electoral landscape shifting, Biya’s digital strategy will likely be tested, and its effectiveness among young voters remains to be seen come October. As he inches closer to his eighth term bid, the question remains: can a 92-year-old president adapt to the fast-paced, ever-evolving digital world to sway the younger electorate?
