PAUL BIYA

Paul Biya was born in the village of Mvomeka'a in the South Region of Cameroon. He received his early education in Cameroon before moving to France, where he studied at the Lycée Louis-le-Grand in Paris. He later attended the Institut des Hautes Études d'Outre-Mer, graduating in 1961 with a diploma in public law.

Biya's political career began in the early 1960s under President Ahmadou Ahidjo, where he held several key positions, including director of the civil cabinet and prime minister. In 1982, he succeeded Ahidjo as president following his unexpected resignation. Despite their initial cooperation, the two leaders became estranged, with Ahidjo accusing Biya of abusing power. Biya survived a coup attempt in 1984, which was reportedly backed by northern factions.

During his presidency, Biya introduced significant reforms, including structural adjustments under the guidance of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which included privatization and cuts in social spending. He also oversaw the introduction of multiparty politics in 1990, and in 1992, he won Cameroon’s first multiparty election, though it was marred by allegations of electoral fraud. Biya continued to win re-election in 1997, 2004, 2011, and 2018, despite criticism over electoral irregularities and widespread accusations of fraud.

Biya's leadership has been characterized by political repression and civil unrest, particularly in the Anglophone regions of Cameroon. In 2008, he passed a constitutional amendment removing term limits, which allowed him to run for additional terms. His presidency has seen numerous protests, including violent uprisings in 2008 and a violent crackdown on Anglophone separatists in 2016–2017, which led to widespread allegations of human rights abuses by his government.

Biya's foreign policy has focused on strengthening ties with countries such as France, China, and Israel. France has remained a significant ally, providing military support and investment, while Cameroon has developed closer relations with China, especially in trade and infrastructure. Biya has also worked to resolve international disputes, including the Bakassi Peninsula issue with Nigeria, which was settled in 2006.

Biya's personal life has been marked by his marriage to Jeanne-Irène Biya, who passed away in 1992, and later to Chantal Vigouroux in 1994, with whom he has two children. Throughout his presidency, Biya has maintained a low public profile, rarely appearing in public, which has fueled speculation about his health and the future of his leadership.

As of 2024, Paul Biya remains the president of Cameroon, having ruled for over four decades.

Reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Biya