Up next in 10
Cameroon’s 92-Year-Old President Paul Biya Sends Statues of Himself and Wife to Campaign Event
Oct 6, 2025
Cameroon’s 92-Year-Old President Paul Biya Sends Statues of Himself and Wife to Campaign Event
Show More Show Less View Video Transcript
0:00
statue stand in for Cameroon's
0:02
92-year-old president at campaign
0:04
events. In a moment that has sparked
0:07
both laughter and concern across the
0:09
continent, Cameroon's long-standing
0:11
leader, President Paul Beia, made
0:13
headlines again, not with a speech, but
0:16
with statues. At a recent campaign event
0:19
organized by the ruling Cameroon's
0:21
People's Democratic Movement, life-siz
0:24
statues of President Beia and First Lady
0:27
Chantel Bea were unveiled in place of
0:29
their physical presence. Officials say
0:32
the statues were sent because the
0:34
president, now 92 years old, could not
0:37
attend due to age related limitations.
0:40
President Ba has ruled Cameroon since
0:42
1982, making him one of the longest
0:45
serving heads of state in the world. But
0:48
this unusual act of political
0:50
representation statue standing for real
0:53
leaders has reignited public debate over
0:56
the state of governance, succession, and
0:58
democratic health in Cameroon. While
1:01
some supporters argue that the gesture
1:03
symbolizes loyalty, stability, and
1:05
continuity, critics see it as a stark
1:09
example of political stagnation and a
1:11
government that is increasingly out of
1:13
touch with the people. The reaction
1:16
across Africa has been swift and
1:18
divided. On social media, many shared
1:21
memes, jokes, and biting satire. One
1:24
Cameroonian said, "Only in Cameroon will
1:28
a statue campaign for presidency. We are
1:31
truly in trouble." Others more
1:33
sympathetic acknowledged the president's
1:36
age and suggested it may be time for a
1:38
peaceful transition. But beyond the
1:41
humor, lies a serious message. The
1:44
urgent call for youth involvement,
1:46
democratic renewal, and institutional
1:48
reform in African leadership. As statues
1:51
take center stage in political rallies,
1:53
the question remains, who is really
1:56
leading and for how much longer? Cell
1:59
Media Africa will continue to follow
2:00
this developing story. Stay with us.