By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo
President Paul Biya has called on Cameroonians to unite in defense of national peace, labeling the rise in attacks on authority, disregard for the law, and violent rhetoric as “not acceptable.”
Delivering his traditional end-of-year address on December 31, the President stressed that the nation-building process cannot tolerate disorder, indiscipline, or impunity.
He urged citizens to do everything in their power to preserve stability and noted that the government would take vigorous control of relevant sectors to ensure public order is maintained.
Regarding regional security, President Biya indicated that the government remains determined to consolidate the gradual return to normalcy in the Far North, Northwest, and Southwest regions.
He expressed high hopes for the virtues of community dialogue and encouraged administrative authorities, traditional rulers, and local leaders to commit themselves resolutely to this peace-building process.
Furthermore, he commended the professionalism of the defense and security forces for their courageous fight against terrorists and criminals who jeopardize the safety of Cameroonians and their property.
On the political and economic fronts, the President noted that the successful organization of presidential and regional elections in 2025 confirmed the vitality and entrenchment of democracy in the country.
Despite global economic uncertainty, structural reforms implemented with the support of international partners have helped preserve macroeconomic balances.
President Biya highlighted that, while the investment budget has increased, necessary measures have been taken to curb inflation and boost local production to protect the well-being of the population.
Infrastructure development also featured prominently in the address, with the President citing the commissioning of the Nachtigal Dam and numerous solar power plants in the northern regions as major steps toward increasing power supply.
He added that, alongside energy gains, significant progress has been made in the road sector and in providing drinking water to both urban and rural areas.
Despite these achievements, he acknowledged that sustained efforts are required to improve living conditions, stating that this would be the top priority for the government to be formed in the coming days.
Addressing his political detractors, President Biya dismissed claims that the current government has achieved nothing, calling such assertions a “lie” and warning citizens against purveyors of false hope.
He maintained that, since his accession to the helm of state, he has opted to tell the truth about the difficulties the nation faces due to a complex international context.
He reiterated that his administration remains focused on the Special Youth Employment Promotion Plan and the empowerment of women, promising to better reconcile youth and experience while vigorously combating injustices arising from ethnic or cultural backgrounds.
President Biya stressed the need for collective efforts to promote “living together” and consolidate national unity. He warned that cultural isolationism and hate speech, which have become increasingly prevalent in the media, threaten the very foundations of the country.
He called on all Cameroonians, both at home and in the diaspora, to participate in the lofty task of nation-building and to uphold the values of equal opportunity and mutual respect.