YAOUNDÉ, (HAN) — A prominent opposition figure in Cameroon who was barred from running in the recently concluded presidential election has issued a strong and symbolic warning to President Paul Biya, using vivid nautical imagery to call for unity and responsible leadership amid growing political tensions in the country.
“When you have sailed for a long time in familiar waters and developed the ability to cope with the waves, you tend to forget the dangers of the sea when you venture into unknown waters,” the opposition leader said in a statement released Monday.
The opposition figure, whose name was not immediately disclosed in the statement, was among several candidates reportedly prevented from taking part in the presidential election, which extended Biya’s more than four-decade rule.
He cautioned that the nation risks political instability if leaders fail to address growing social and economic challenges collectively.
“The fury of the storms tosses the debris of our dismantled ship onto the shore,” he said. “We must regain our lucidity to rebuild it together, survive the inevitable shipwreck, and continue on our way — knowing that the sailors’ faith in their ability to overcome turbulence depends not on the weather, but on their unity and trust in their captain.”
Biya, 91, one of the world’s longest-serving heads of state, first came to power in 1982. His latest reelection has drawn criticism from opposition parties and international observers who allege irregularities and accuse the government of tightening its control over the political process.
Several opposition figures, including leading members of the Cameroon Renaissance Movement (MRC) and other parties, have faced arrests, political restrictions, or disqualification in past elections, raising concerns about the state of democracy in the Central African nation.
The opposition leader’s statement, circulated widely on social media, was interpreted by analysts as a veiled appeal for national dialogue and reform. Political observers said his message reflects growing frustration among Cameroonians over corruption, insecurity, and the lack of political inclusiveness.
Cameroon has grappled with multiple crises in recent years, including conflict in its Anglophone regions, economic pressures, and discontent among youth who feel excluded from governance. Critics say these issues have been compounded by decades of centralized power and limited political freedoms.
The opposition figure’s remarks come amid calls from civil society groups and international partners urging the government to engage in genuine dialogue with opposition forces and address the root causes of political tension.
While Biya’s government maintains that the recent election was fair and transparent, opposition leaders and activists continue to demand reforms aimed at ensuring political pluralism and restoring public trust in state institutions.
As Cameroon navigates its political future, the opposition leader’s metaphor of a ship facing rough seas has resonated deeply with citizens seeking direction and unity after decades of division.
