By Christopher Ambe Shu
Preparations, at all levels, are in high gear in Cameroon to celebrate Mr. Paul Biya’s 27 years as second president of Republic of Cameroon, commonly referred to as Africa in Miniature and an Island of Peace, in a turbulent Sub-Central African region.
Mr. Biya took office as President on November 6, 1982, following the resignation of former President Ahmadou Ahidjo, who had ruled the country, under one-party system, for over two decades .Upon assuming office, President Biya promised to modernize and democratize Cameroon.
And in 1990, he reintroduced multi-party politics, ealier practiced in Cameroon but abolished in 1966, to maintain just one party, Cameron Nation Union (CNU), which in 1985 was transformed into the Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM)
Today, Cameroon, with a population of about 18 million people, has over 200 political parties. The CPDM, created in 1985 in Bamenda by Mr. Biya, who is its National Chairman, is the ruling party since inception.
The anniversary is coming shortly after media reports alleged that President Biya, while in France recently for a three -week holiday, spent over FCFA 700 million on hotel bills, restaurant and shopping.
Although the Government and the hotel (la baule) where the president and aides lodged had quickly dismissed the allegation as false, ruling party officials and militants are expected to use the anniversary celebrations to further dismiss the reports.
Militants and regime apologists will, at various ceremonial grounds showcase the president’s socio-economic, diplomatic and political achievements as well as his Grandes Ambitions Program.
Militants will also reiterate their precious call for President Biya to stand for reelection at the 2011 presidential polls.
NB: First Published on November,4 at www.cameroonforum.net
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