World News
Cameroonian Youths Protest Against President Paul Biya’s Bid for an Eighth Term
Tensions are rising in Cameroon as hundreds of young people have taken to the streets to protest against President Paul Biya’s plans to extend his decades-long rule, accusing the 92-year-old leader of manipulating the upcoming presidential election to secure an eighth term in office.
The demonstrations, which erupted in major cities including Yaoundé, Douala, and Bafoussam, reflect growing frustration among the country’s youth over Biya’s continued grip on power. Many protesters carried placards reading “Enough is Enough” and “43 Years Is Too Long,” demanding democratic reforms and a generational change in leadership.
A Nation Divided Over Leadership Longevity
President Biya, who has ruled Cameroon since 1982, is Africa’s longest-serving head of state. His critics accuse him of rigging elections, suppressing opposition voices, and ruling through a system of patronage that has stifled political competition and economic growth.
Opposition parties claim that preparations for the 2025 presidential election are already tilted in Biya’s favour, citing reports of voter intimidation, media censorship, and the exclusion of credible opposition candidates.
Youth Frustration and Calls for Change
With more than 60% of Cameroon’s population under the age of 30, many young people say they have known no other leader in their lifetime. Protesters argue that Biya’s prolonged rule has left the country lagging behind in economic development, job creation, and democratic freedoms.
The demonstrations have been met with a heavy police presence, with reports of clashes and several arrests in some areas. Human rights groups have urged authorities to exercise restraint and allow citizens to express themselves peacefully.
Regional and International Reactions
Regional observers say the protests could mark a turning point in Cameroon’s political landscape, long characterized by tight control and limited dissent. Some African youth movements have expressed solidarity with the protesters, calling for free and fair elections across the continent.
International partners, including the European Union and United Nations, have urged Cameroon’s government to uphold democratic principles and ensure that the forthcoming election reflects the will of the people.
Russian authorities have moved to block Meta-owned WhatsApp across the country, citing the company’s failure to meet domestic legal requirements.
Officials say Meta did not establish a local office, declined to cooperate with data-sharing demands, and failed to remove content deemed unlawful.
The government has also linked the messaging platform to cases of fraud and alleged extremist activities.
Following the shutdown, many users in Russia are migrating to alternative platforms such as Telegram, VK Messenger, Yandex Messenger, and the government-supported MAX application.
Dalisto Lungu, the son of Zambia’s late former president Edgar Lungu, has been stripped of assets worth more than US$1.26 million after a ruling by the Economic and Financial Crimes Court.
The court found that the properties were obtained through illicit means and ordered their forfeiture to the state. The seized assets include 79 motor vehicles, over 20 pieces of land located in various parts of Zambia, as well as a fuel service station.
In its judgment, the EFCC stated that Lungu failed to provide credible evidence of a lawful income or business operations that could reasonably explain his accumulation of such wealth.
Lungu disputed the allegations, insisting that the properties were legally acquired. However, the court ruled that his explanation was insufficient to counter the state’s case, paving the way for the assets to be confiscated.
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has dismissed online allegations suggesting that its founder, Bill Gates, is responsible for a surge in mosquito populations in Kenya.
Responding on X, the foundation clarified that it does not run mosquito laboratories nor release mosquitoes in Nairobi or anywhere else in the country.
It emphasized that all its health-related initiatives are carried out in support of Kenya’s own priorities and strictly follow government regulations.
The statement came after claims shared by Kenyan lawyer and politician Paul Muite gained traction on social media, sparking intense public discussion.
Some posts alleged that genetically modified mosquitoes were being produced and released on a large scale, claims the foundation described as completely untrue.
The controversy has emerged against the backdrop of continued concern over malaria, which remains a serious public health issue in the region.
Harisi Zuva reMusikanzwa — Love Must Be Practised Daily : Traditional
Garwe: Fewer Elections, More Development Under Amendment No. 3b
CZR Endorses Constitutional Amendment No. 3
Operation restore order
Masasi High School Abuse Scandal Sparks Public Outcry
Kuwadzana Man Jailed for Reckless Driving and Driving Without a Licence
-
Current Affairs3 months agoOperation restore order
-
Crime and Courts5 months agoMasasi High School Abuse Scandal Sparks Public Outcry
-
Crime and Courts5 months agoKuwadzana Man Jailed for Reckless Driving and Driving Without a Licence
-
Current Affairs7 months agoBreaking: ZIMSEC June 2025 Exam Results Now Available Online
-
Current Affairs6 months agoMunhumutapa Day: Zimbabwe’s Newest Public Holiday Set for Annual Observance
-
Current Affairs4 months agoBREAKING NEWS: ZANU PF Director General Ezekiel Zabanyana Fired
-
Current Affairs6 months agoNo Racism in Our Cricket: Government
-
Current Affairs6 months agoGovernment Bans Tinted Car Windows in Nationwide Crime Crackdown