YAOUNDÉ, Cameroon — A recent leak of campaign posters featuring Franck Biya, son of Cameroon’s long-serving President Paul Biya, has intensified discussions about the nation’s political future ahead of the October 2025 presidential election. The posters, which surfaced on social media after being leaked by workers at an unidentified printing press in Yaoundé, showcase Franck Biya alongside slogans promoting youth engagement and massive voter registration.
The French-language posters bear the title “FEBISTE,” accompanied by the message: “Febistes, fer de lance de la nation, la jeunesse qui ose. Opération O’ Mulema: Un Cameroun jeune, une carte d’électeur – inscrivons-nous massivement! Rejoignez-nous dans nos réseaux.” This translates to: “Febistes, spearhead of the nation, the youth that dares. Operation O’ Mulema: A young Cameroon, a voter card – let’s register massively! Join us in our networks.”
The emergence of the term “Febiste” appears to signal the formation of yet another group supporting Franck Biya, reminiscent of the earlier “Frankists” movement that advocated for his leadership. These developments have led analysts to authoritatively conclude that President Biya, who turned 92 in February 2025 and has been in power since 1982, will not seek re-election. The active promotion of Franck Biya at this juncture suggests that key figures in Yaoundé’s political sphere have positioned him as a successor.
Cameroon’s political landscape has been dominated by the Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM) since the country’s independence in 1960. Despite the introduction of multiparty elections in 1992, the CPDM has maintained a firm grip on power, with President Biya at the helm. His extended tenure was facilitated by a 2008 constitutional amendment that removed presidential term limits, allowing him to run for multiple seven-year terms.
The nation’s opposition parties have historically faced challenges in mounting effective campaigns against the incumbent regime. Allegations of electoral fraud and the arrest of opposition figures have marred previous elections. In 2018, opposition candidate Maurice Kamto was detained for protesting the election results, leading to a 10-month imprisonment before his release.
The leak of the campaign materials has sparked reactions across the political spectrum. Some view the actions of the printing press workers as indicative of public sentiment against the perpetuation of the Biya family’s hold on power.
The political climate in Cameroon is poised for heightened activity and uncertainty. The candidacy of Franck Biya introduces a new dynamic, prompting both domestic and international observers to closely monitor the unfolding developments. The opposition faces the critical task of galvanizing support and presenting a unified front to challenge the ruling party’s longstanding dominance.
