For the second time in less than a month, leading presidential candidate Ms. Kah Walla has made a huge dent in the credibility of incumbent Paul Biya.
The first was when she launched her campaign with widespread media coverage and popular acclaim. Riding on this wave of popular approval, she basically forced Paul Biya to boycott the national soccer finals which is a platform where incumbent presidents always show their authority. This was the first time it was happening since Biya was given power twenty-eight years ago.
Now, for more than a year, the 50th anniversary celebrations for the Armed Forces has been planned to hold in Bamenda. The president said so himself and that he will personally preside over the ceremony. One year has gone by. The minister delegate at the presidency in charge of defence Edgar Alain Meme Ngo gave specific dates, the 29th and 30th of November 2010 for the head of state Paul Biya to be in Bamenda. With the popularity of Ms. Kah Walla running high both among the youth, unemployed, women and the disenfranchised-basically the whole local population- Paul Biya may have thought it wise to boycott this event so that his disapproval by the people he rules does not come to light.
Close observers of the political landscape in Cameroon know one thing: Paul Biya will leave the presidency next year. He has jailed most of his closest supporters including some highly respected sons of the North West region like Zaccheus Forjindam and former government delegate Mr Nde.
His actions are exceedingly erratic even by African dictator standards. Just like Ms Kah Walla says, "Time has Come". We can only wish Ms Kah Walla more energy for she will be packing her bags with those of millions of Buyam-sellams and Sauveteurs as she forges ahead to the Unity Palace in Etoudi, while Biya Paul recedes to Switzerland where he has taken up residence.
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