• Biya, 92, is trying to connect with youth on social media.
• His online efforts might not resonate with young voters.
• WhatsApp dominates the youth social media landscape in Cameroon.
• There’s a lack of authenticity in Biya’s social media posts.
• Young people in Cameroon want real action, not empty slogans.

Biya’s Increased Social Media Efforts Fail to Connect

Cameroon’s incumbent President Paul Biya, at 92 years old, is attempting to connect with young voters through social media as he seeks an eighth term in office. Biya has taken a more active role online, posting frequently on platforms like Facebook and X, which is a noticeable change from his past social media usage that was sporadic, to say the least. Despite this initiative, insiders suggest his efforts may not be resonating with the youth—a demographic crucial for the upcoming elections in October as they represent a significant portion of the electorate.

Youth Engagement Lacking in Biya’s Campaign

Analysts point out that while there are over 5.4 million social media users in Cameroon, young people predominantly use WhatsApp, a platform where Biya has minimal presence. Rostant Tane, director of Media Intelligence Sarl, notes that the presidential communication on social media lacks interactivity and is not tailored to reach the younger audience effectively. Moreover, many youth feel the posts lack authenticity since they know Biya isn’t personally crafting them. Instead, the interactions appear to be controlled and limited, remaining a one-way communication channel.

Young Voters Seek Real Change, Not Just Promises

While supporters may commend Biya’s social media attempts as a sign of wanting to stay relevant, many young Cameroonians are unimpressed. With over 60% of the population under 25 and pressing issues such as high unemployment and corruption on their minds, they crave meaningful change rather than just flashy social media presence or recycled messages from the past. As Falone Ngu rightly pointed out, it’s not just about having a digital life; young people are looking for opportunities, change, and concrete actions that affect their daily lives. Criticism abounds on social media, with many users saying that Cameroonians want tangible improvements, not just hashtags or online slogans.

In conclusion, while President Biya is making an effort to engage young Cameroonians via social media, the reception has been tepid. Many young voters feel disconnected from his messages, which they perceive as lacking authenticity and focus on issues that truly affect their lives. The upcoming election will certainly test whether Biya’s digital strategy can translate into actual votes, especially when young people are looking for real solutions to increasing unemployment and corruption in the country.