Young Cameroonians weigh future as election day nears

DOUALA - Most Cameroonians heading to the polls on Sunday have known only one president in their lifetime.

But days before the vote, young people in the central African nation appeared torn between hope and resignation as 92-year-old Paul Biya, who has ruled with an iron fist for 43 years, seeks an eighth term.

Few anticipated anything other than another victory for Biya, with a fragmented opposition and his fiercest rival, Maurice Kamto, excluded from running.

"No young person, whether they are a graduate or not, will be left behind," Biya promised at his first appearance of the election campaign on Tuesday in the northern city of Maroua.

In Cameroon, every other person is under the age of 20 and unemployment rates can reach 35 percent in major cities, according to the National Employment Fund.

Some of the youth "are calling for the departure of the elderly", said Aristide Mono, a political sociology professor and chief of staff at the Cameroon Society for Intelligence and Research.

"But they are very poorly organised and divided," he added citing "tribalism" as a key factor.

In the runup to the ballot, AFP spoke to several young, first-time voters.

'DECIDED IN ADVANCE'

"Given the way things are going here, I think the election has been decided in advance.

"But I would like to have a new president. To have more opportunities and for us, the students, to quickly find jobs.

"A president of his age in power is bad for the country. He should leave and make way for young people. There's so much to be done: roads, education and unemployment.

"I have no intention of going anywhere. I have hope in my country. But the old people in power need to step aside and let today's youth take over."

• Sylvie, 20, student from Douala
• 'CONVINCED BY PAUL BIYA'

"Some believe he should leave office. But I think Paul Biya still has things to offer.

"Even though some promises haven't been fulfilled, I am counting on him; he's wise. I don't look at his age or health, but at his experience and track record.

"I want a president with a good vision for us as future workers. Candidates like Cabral Libii and Hiram Iyodi, who are also young, have good programmes, but I remain convinced of the idea of a new term for Paul Biya."

• Giovanni, 20, student from Douala
• 'I BELIEVE IN CHANGE'

"I can't wait for the vote to happen. I believe in change and it can only come about through an election.

"I keep hoping for a better Cameroon where young people can find work. I imagine a day when Cameroon looks like Paris, with accessible and affordable education, where we can drive safely on our roads...

"It's been more than 10 years since the region I live in has been in crisis. Right now, everything is fine, but you never know when they (separatists from the Anglophone regions) might strike. I'm angry because we're losing our brothers and sisters in this crisis.

"Above all, I want to live in a united country."

• Boris, 26, computer engineer in Buea
• 'NO HOPE'

"I don't plan on voting. I had one choice: Maurice Kamto. That choice is no longer available. His exclusion from the race was a huge disappointment. I see it as a scam.

"Now, I have no hope left for the country. Everything I'm doing in Cameroon at the moment is because there's nothing else. I'm selling underwear at the market to pay my bills.

"It's like I'm in limbo. As soon as the opportunity to leave arises, I'm gone. The country doesn't matter, the most important thing is that I'm somewhere I can showcase my talent and live off my art in the most dignified way possible.

"As long as the system persists, there is nothing to be done. There has to be a change. Staying in power for 43 years is a way of mocking us. He's not the only Cameroonian capable of offering something."

- Theophile, 24, visual artist in Douala