An Open Letter to President Paul Biya of Cameroon
By Joshua Maponga, African Philosopher, Writer, and Political Activist
Your Excellency President Paul Biya,
For over four decades, you have presided over the nation of Cameroon. With an iron grip, you have positioned yourself not merely as a president, but as a king—a ruler unyielding in your pursuit of absolute power. This prolonged tenure, however, has not been without consequence. It has brought economic decline, widespread suffering, and an erosion of the dignity and spirit of the Cameroonian people.
The cries of the people, once muted by fear, now grow louder. Farmers of Thought and the African Indigenous Movement (AIM) have turned their focus to Cameroon, demanding not only a change in leadership but a shift towards a vision of “The Afrika We Want”—a continent led by those who prioritize the welfare of their people over personal luxury. The people of Cameroon have grown weary of watching their resources plundered while they endure poverty and neglect.
Your legacy, Mr. President, is now tainted by accusations of corruption, human rights abuses, and economic mismanagement. These are not merely the whispers of discontent but the glaring truths visible to the international community. The people of Cameroon do not demand kindness, for as ‘Abdu’l-Bahá aptly stated, “It is not advisable to show kindness to a person who is a tyrant, a traitor, or a thief because kindness encourages him to become worse and does not awaken him.” Instead, the people demand justice, accountability, and leadership that serve them rather than enslave them.
Your refusal to relinquish power—despite your advanced age and the clear mandate of democratic governance—represents a deep betrayal of your people. This resistance to step down has stifled progress, prevented fresh leadership, and left Cameroon lagging while the rest of the world moves forward. The Bahá’í teachings remind us that “Lying is the foundation of all evils.” Yet your reign has been marked by deception, secrecy, and the suppression of truth, all in service of maintaining your grip on power. This dishonesty has eroded trust within Cameroon and the global community.
Your opulent lifestyle—spending much of your time in Europe while your nation suffers—is a painful reminder of the priorities that have shaped your governance. How can you justify this luxury when Cameroonians live without adequate healthcare, education, or basic infrastructure? How can you turn a blind eye to the growing desperation of the people you claim to serve?
As a fellow African, I beg your children and close relatives to speak the truth to you. Advise you, Mr. President, to walk off the stage gracefully. To continue clinging to power will only deepen the scars you have left on Cameroon. Do you not see people grow restless? Do you not hear their demands for justice? As history has shown time and again, no ruler can suppress the will of the people indefinitely. “The poor will eat the rich,” they say, and this warning rings louder each day.
The international community is watching, and Cameroon’s destiny hangs in the balance. Will you finally listen? Will you relinquish your grip and allow Cameroon to move forward? Or will you, like so many before you, ignore the signs until it is too late?
The path forward is clear. Step aside and allow a new generation of leaders to guide Cameroon toward the prosperity and dignity its people deserve. Do this not for yourself, but for the nation you have led for over four decades. Leave a legacy of humility rather than one of tyranny.
This is not merely a request; it is a second warning. The winds of change are blowing across Africa, and Cameroon is no exception. The time has come for you to act, Mr. President. Show the wisdom of a leader who understands when to let go. The people of Cameroon—and history itself—will judge you not by the power you held but by the courage you displayed in relinquishing it.
Sincerely,
Joshua Maponga
African Philosopher, Writer, and Political Activist
This is powerful.