A few days ago, I engaged with a post by a University Professor on social media and its role in the destabilization of democracy. In my response, I argued that in some—if not most—Sub-Saharan African countries, social media has become a powerful tool for political transformation. I cited Kenya as a case in point.
Today, I would like to bring that argument closer to home, within the context of Cameroon, which is heading toward a crucial presidential election in October 2025. Here we are, at the dawn of a perceived pivotal presidential election in Cameroon. The atmosphere is tense, but in a good way. The national mood has shifted from despair to hope. Many believe that the wind of change is finally blowing through the land of the Indomitable Lions.
But before diving into the subject, let me give you a brief snapshot of Cameroon.
Country Profile
- Surface Area: 472,710 km²
- Population: ~30 million
- Type of Political System: Unitary Presidential Republic
- Independence: 1960
- First President: Ahmadou Ahidjo (1960–1982)
- Second and Current President: Paul Biya (1982–2025) (Age: 92)
- Average Age: ~18 years
- Next Presidential Election: October 12, 2025
- Number of Registered Candidacies: 84 (Yes, you read that correctly.)
Now, let us dive into the subject.
Election and its Symbolism for the Population
Whoever lives in Sub-Saharan Africa knows that elections are a source of anxiety, apprehension, and stress because our governments or leaders are not known to be the most “docile” or “fair play.” While elections (in theory) symbolize the highest form of expression of democracy, many of us have lost that sight or belief because of how corrupted and rigged the electoral system can be.
As the common saying goes: “No one organizes an election to lose.”
But perhaps even more concerning is the growing disbelief in elections as a means of political change. The population has become the victim of a political system in which they are no longer actors, but subjects left at the mercy of politicians who decide when they may breathe or not.
However, over the years, the greatest political success of the ruling class has not been their governance, but rather the disinterest they have cultivated among the people:
- Disinterest in holding politicians accountable
- Disinterest in the common good
- Disinterest in civic rights and responsibilities
- Disinterest in social causes … and so on, the list is long.
And this disinterest is not accidental. It is the result of decades of oppression and violence, where the population has been held captive by those meant to serve them. Yes, you read that well: the government exists to serve the population.
But politicians have made many of us feel like beggars. We beg them to:
- Build decent infrastructure
- Provide hospitals with functioning healthcare systems
- Pay teachers and support schools
- Guarantee our constitutional rights
- Supply electricity and clean water
- Create jobs
- And sometimes… simply to let us live.
But, guess what? A shift is happening.
Despite having the same government for over 40 years, Cameroon’s sociopolitical scene over recent years has been different. The population has regained a sense of “hope,” and they are clamoring for change because they have experienced “better” elsewhere; they know they deserve better, they can have better, and they want better.
You may ask, what has contributed to this awakening then? The key factors, in my view are the following ones:
- A strong diaspora
- Accessibility of information
- Degradation of social conditions
- Exposure of politicians’ shenanigans
- Social media
You may wonder, if hope is back, does it mean that faith in elections as a means of change is back too? I would say yes and no.
Yes, because people are more aware of electoral law, understanding its functioning, its weaknesses, and demanding its modification. Yes, because people understood that we are still under the umbrella of democracy; therefore, we have to use the means of democracy to achieve the desired political change. Yes, because people have understood their vote is their voice and the strongest power they have to access the change they dream about.
But no, because there is still the fear of uncertainty that their will, expressed through their vote, could be rigged. No, because there is no faith in the electoral body to play a fair game, as the president and the members of the electoral commission are nominated by the president. No, because the smoke of violence, in case of contesting the result, is still floating above our heads, a legacy of the last election in 2018.
But here we are, not turning our faces away from our destiny, because in the end, this land cannot be made prosperous without our involvement. We owe it to future generations.
Social Media and Civic Political Awareness
Earlier, I mentioned social media as one of the key drivers of change. Let me build a bit more on that point as you read the following lines.
I must say: I am extremely proud of the incredible work being done around political awareness, civic rights education, and citizen mobilization by Cameroonians at home and in the diaspora.
Across social media, the energy is real, and the determination is even stronger.
When I recently argued that social media hasn’t destabilized democracy in most Sub-Saharan African countries, I meant it, and I stand by it. In fact, it has transformed our political landscapes. Social media has reshaped how democracy functions and has reminded citizens of something vital:
The power never truly left their hands. It was only suppressed by years of political oppression that made them believe otherwise.
Although I am not active on Facebook, I regularly follow content on Twitter (X) and YouTube. As I scroll through these platforms, I have observed a significant surge in profiles, podcasts, posts, and videos that are actively engaging in political discourse. These content creators have taken governance and civic engagement as their central cause, playing the role of digital civil society actors informing, educating, and awakening the critical political consciousness of the population.
As the election approaches, this trend has intensified—not only in the volume of content being produced but also in its quality. More than ever, Cameroonians are engaging with democracy like never before: challenging narratives, holding leadership accountable, and demanding transparency.
Social media in Cameroon is no longer just about entertainment. It has become a powerful tool for civic education and democratic participation.
Some may argue that portraying social media as a haven during elections is naive.
Please, breathe.
I do not claim that social media is a magical fix. I fully acknowledge its darker sides: manipulation, polarization, misinformation. My claim is simple:
Mass communication platforms offer powerful opportunities to spread election related information, revive hope, and inspire change.
Let that truth sink in.
Because real, lasting change cannot happen without politics. Even tourism is shaped by it.
So, the choice is ours: to endure politics passively or to be active stakeholders using our civic rights to make our voices heard.
All the best to Cameroon. May the yellow star on our flag shine brighter than ever this season.
Cameroon Passport Diaries 