After officially winning the October 12 presidential election, President Paul Biya has struck a calm and unifying tone — presenting himself as the leader of all Cameroonians, beyond party colours, tribes, and past divisions.
His first message after the proclamation of results carried both empathy and authority: “My first thoughts are with all those who have unnecessarily lost their lives, as well with their families, as a result of the post-election violence,” he wrote on his Facebook page on Monday. It was a moment of solemn reflection from a man who seeks to turn his campaign mantra of “Greatness and Hope” into a renewed mission of national healing and practical delivery.
The tone of reconciliation came against the backdrop of protests that erupted in several towns across the country following the proclamation of results by the Constitutional Council on Monday, October 27. In some areas, clashes between protesters and security forces led to tragic loss of lives and raised deep concern about stability. Biya’s social media statement, posted hours after his victory was confirmed, directly acknowledged these painful events and appealed for calm, restraint, and solidarity. His message mourned the victims and reminded citizens that no political ambition is worth the blood of compatriots. A statement that underlined his resolve to restore peace and unity.
In his campaign speech in Maroua, Far North Region, Biya had already set the tone for this message of inclusion. “I am well aware of the problems that concern you. I know the unfulfilled expectations that make you doubt the future. Based on my own experience, I can assure you that these problems are not insurmountable,” he told the crowd. By acknowledging frustration and doubt, the president extended a hand to those who did not vote for him. His task now is to transform empathy into measurable action by bridging divides, restoring livelihoods, and reinforcing national cohesion.
During that same rally, Biya outlined the pillars of his renewed programme: youth employment, infrastructure, health, and security. All issues that touch all regions equally. “We will demonstrate greater inventiveness and ingenuity to facilitate the socio-economic integration and self-entrepreneurship of our young compatriots,” he promised. The message resonated deeply in the Far North, where unemployment and insecurity have long fuelled hardship. Yet Biya emphasised that these challenges are national, not regional. Underlining that his new mandate must serve Cameroon as one, indivisible entity.
The president also highlighted the progress achieved – more schools, better health centres, new roads — while admitting that much remains to be done. “The problems are not insurmountable,” he repeated, signalling a commitment to accelerate delivery where expectations remain unmet. To many, this was not just reassurance but a call to translate policy into visible improvements in daily life.
Biya reaffirmed that peace and stability will remain the backbone of national progress. He vowed that “efforts in this area will continue vigorously,” referring to the security situation in the Far North and the restive North West and South West regions. But beyond restoring order, the president faces the deeper challenge of rebuilding trust — ensuring that dissent and diversity are treated as strengths within a democratic republic.
To give real meaning to Greatness and Hope, Biya’s new term must be one of action and accountability. Cameroonians expect not speeches but results — jobs, safety, justice, and equal opportunity. This means opening pathways for youth employment, ensuring infrastructure reaches rural and urban areas alike, and strengthening institutions that guarantee fairness and transparency.
As Paul Biya embarks on this new chapter, his words carry both comfort and challenge. He has cast himself as a unifier — aware of the nation’s pain and determined to rebuild confidence. The months ahead will show whether Greatness and Hope can move from slogan to reality — the living spirit of a nation ready to heal, rebuild, and believe again.
Jude Viban
