** The palace of Paul Biya glasses: between celebration and controversy in Cameroon **
On April 25, 2023, Cameroon attended a significant event with the official baptism of the new building of the National Assembly, now called “Paul Biya glasses”. The ceremony, flamboyant and rich in emotions, brought together thousands of people, mainly members of the Democratic Rally of the Cameroonian People (DRPC) and other parties of the presidential majority. It is advisable to wonder not only about the symbolism of this name, but also about the reflections which emerge within the Cameroonian political landscape.
The decision to baptize a public building by the name of the president in office, Paul Biya, aroused various comments. The organizers of the ceremony have focused on the long journey of Paul Biya, who has occupied the position of president for over 40 years. The vice-president of the National Assembly, Théodore Datouo, described Paul Biya as a man who “sacrificed decades of his life to serve Cameroon”. Such praise highlights a certain desire to celebrate a career considered by some as exceptional, marked by political stability and continuity in governance.
However, this initiative is not without controversy. It raises questions on democracy and respect for the separation of powers, two fundamental principles often tested in regimes long directed by the same leader. Me Akere Muna, candidate for the presidential election and an opposition figure, expressed his disagreement, describing this initiative as “serious attack on democratic principles”. Its position highlights the complexity of perceptions around the fact that a public building is dedicated to a man with significant control over the political system.
It is also relevant to note the diversity of reactions within the opposition. Emilien Denis Atangana, another party leader, saw the name as legitimate recognition of the administrative experience of Paul Biya. This contrast in opinions illustrates a complex Cameroonian political reality, where actors sometimes share divergent perceptions on the same event, thus reflecting individual trajectories as well as collective.
Dialogue Interpartis and respect for institutions
The baptism of the palace of Paul Biya glasses could be perceived as an opportunity to promote dialogue between different political factions. Beyond celebrations, a reflection on the nature of governance in Cameroon seems necessary. What future for a country whose president has been in office for so many years, and what collective vision for institutions that some consider centralized around a single figure?
In addition, the decision not to invite all political parties to this event caused dissonant voices. The presence of certain opposition leaders, and the absence of others, underline persistent divisions. Platforms for discussion and a constructive commitment between the various political actors could offer new possibilities to resolve the challenges that the country faces.
The potential for change in an institutional framework
While Cameroon is preparing for a new presidential election in 2025, the question of continuity or change at the head of the state remains crucial. The political class, as well as the Cameroonian people, must look at their collective aspirations in the light of the past and the challenges present. The celebration of the Paul Biya glasses Palace could thus be transformed into an opportunity for collective reflection on democracy, development, and respect for institutions.
Thus, the baptism of this building constitutes much more than a symbolic act; It poses a number of important questions about national identity, collective memory and the place that each citizen aspires to occupy in the political landscape. In a context where opinions can be polarized, the search for points of convergence around shared values could make it possible to consider together the future of Cameroon. It remains essential to encourage nourished debates, while respecting divergent opinions, in order to build an inclusive democratic framework.