92-Year-Old President's Digital Outreach Fails to Connect with Young Cameroonians**

As Cameroon gears up for elections, 92-year-old President Paul Biya's attempts to reach the youth through social media reveal a generational disconnect. Despite increased online activity, the president's messaging lacks authenticity and engagement, leaving many young voters unenthused.**

 

In an effort to appeal to the ever-growing youth electorate ahead of the upcoming elections, 92-year-old Paul Biya, Cameroon’s long-standing president since 1982, has ramped up his social media presence. However, analysts indicate that his strategies may not resonate with young voters, a demographic that comprises over 60% of the country’s populace.

For months now, Biya has been active on platforms like Facebook and X (formerly known as Twitter), a change from his historically low-key online persona. With over 5.4 million social media users in Cameroon, it is no surprise that the president aimed for digital engagement. However, experts suggest that much of the youth prefers WhatsApp for communication, a platform where the presidential message is nearly absent.

Rostant Tane, director of Media Intelligence Sarl, articulates that Biya's communication lacks the interactivity and segmentation that today’s digital youth crave. "There's very little effort to communicate in a way that resonates with younger audiences," Tane states, shedding light on an essential disconnect.

Many youngsters perceive Biya’s social media efforts as disingenuous, sensing that the posts do not originate directly from him but rather from a distant management team. This manufactured approach compromises trust and fosters feelings of disenchantment, according to communication expert Hervé Tiwa. "The engagement feels one-sided, lacking real participation," he explains.

Given that more than half of the electorate is under 30, their discontent could significantly influence the election outcome. Young citizens, such as communications specialist Ulrich Donfack, advocate for political engagement that prioritizes transparency and democratic values over mere publicity stunts. “Young people are looking for real solutions; they want possibilities for employment and change in their communities,” remarked 27-year-old Falone Ngu, emphasizing the urgency for authenticity in political dialogue.

Compounding the situation is the high unemployment rate in Cameroon, leaving even the best-credentialed youth struggling to secure jobs. While issues of corruption and security weigh heavily on the minds of young voters, Biya’s messaging predominantly touts his lengthy record in office rather than addressing these pressing concerns.

His team has resorted to recycling excerpts from past presidential speeches, which some critics view as irrelevant, especially in today's modern context. For instance, a recent post referenced a speech from 2000 that seemingly admonished the populace. Many consider these tactics tokenistic rather than substantive.

Despite increased online activity, Biya's futuristic approach hasn't sparked enthusiasm among voters. Observers note that while it marks an improvement from a previously stagnant digital strategy, the lack of genuine outreach remains evident. Biya's previous absence from public view had fueled rumors regarding his health, emphasizing the importance of a robust digital connection.

While the government has praised Biya’s newfound digital vigor, skepticism is rife among young internet users. Comments on his posts reveal widespread discontent, with remarks such as, “Cameroonians want roads, not hashtags,” indicative of the urgent need for more than just online statements.

As election day approaches, Biya will soon discover whether these digital campaigns can translate into tangible support from the young electorate. Only time will tell if his efforts, however controversial, resonate enough to secure another term in office.