For the first time since the launch of his re-election campaign, President Paul Biya, presidential candidate of the ruling CPDM, appeared in public today Tuesday, 7 October 2025, in the Far North region, delivering a stirring address in Maroua that lasted nearly twenty minutes.
His appearance in Maroua holds particular political weight: the Far North Region accounts for 1,337,796 registered voters, or approximately 16.28 % of the national electorate — making it one of the most electorally significant regions in the country.
A Warm Welcome in Maroua
When President Biya’s motorcade rolled from the airport into Maroua, the regional capital of the Far North, supporters, dignitaries, and residents turned out in droves to welcome him. The rally was held at the Lamido Yaya Dairou Stadium before a broad audience including the mayor of Maroua, members of the Far North Regional Council, the campaign’s regional coordination committee, the President of the National Assembly, traditional and religious leaders, and numerous political cadres.
In opening his address, Biya extended heartfelt thanks to the crowd: “I am deeply touched to see that you have come in such large numbers to meet me. Thank you for the warmth of your welcome… Thank you for your support despite difficulties, slander, and fabrications.”
He praised their loyalty, stating that since his accession, they have remained “rock-solid in your commitment,” and reaffirmed his personal connection to the region: “I feel good among you. You know my attachment to your region, to its people.”
Promises & Policy Focus
Youth, Employment & Training
President Biya conceded that youth unemployment is a “scourge” affecting the Far North and other regions alike. He pledged that the government will redouble efforts to provide employment opportunities in both public and private sectors.
* He announced that multidisciplinary teams are already designing matrices to drastically reduce youth unemployment.
* He promised to enhance vocational training in high-growth sectors — agriculture, livestock, crafts — as well as in digital and technological innovation.
* He pledged to optimize existing training centers and business incubators, and to establish targeted financing mechanisms to support youth-led projects.
* The National Employment Fund will be restructured to better serve young Cameroonians everywhere, with the slogan that “no young person, whether they have a degree or not, will be left behind.”
Women & Gender Equity
President Biya also reaffirmed his commitment to women’s rights and empowerment. He recalled the progress made so far and promised to accelerate efforts: more women in leadership, greater protection from violence, and expanded access to education and economic opportunities.
Infrastructure, Health & Utilities
Turning to regional infrastructure, Biya said that the national road network now extends nearly 10,700 km. He provided updates on strategic roads in the Far North, including Morad, Dabanga, Kuseri, Ganderegarwa, and Ebolba (in the Kousséri area), where funding has been secured and companies have commenced operations on site.
He pledged a special national program to rehabilitate degraded roads and build new ones, with substantial financial resources earmarked to facilitate mobility and economic life in the region.
On utilities, Biya said the Narcigal hydroelectric dam is now operational and energy transmission lines are being built to service industries and households. He added that upcoming projects include the Pinis Dam in Waraq and Kikwot Mbembe Dam, as well as expansion of the solar power plant margin and linking the northern and southern grids.
In health and education, he promised continued expansion: new schools, improved facilities, and upgraded hospitals in Maroua and other regional centers. He called for intensification of efforts so that all citizens can access quality healthcare.
Flooding, Climate & Security
Acknowledging the recurring floods that afflict the region, President Biya said government interventions — including the Charlie Logan Integrated Rural Development Project — are being monitored personally and should soon yield results.
He addressed security, a perennial concern in the Far North. Under his leadership, defense and security forces have continued operations against Boko Haram, including hostage rescues, raids, and anti-crime campaigns in border areas. He pledged further deployment of elite units to hard-hit departments like Logone and Mayo-Tsanaga (not “Logan and Charlie” as misquoted).
Biya asserted that improved security would yield social and economic dividends — boosting agriculture, pastoralism, tourism, and investment flows.
Tone & Significance
President Biya’s tone was confident, heartfelt, and forward-looking. He spoke repeatedly of unity, resilience, and collective effort: “Together, we have made significant progress… we will continue to march steadily toward progress.”
His speech addressed many of the Far North’s most urgent concerns — youth, roads, energy, security — with explicit commitments and regional imports. For many in the audience, this was more than rhetoric; it was a test of whether promises translate into action.
His public appearance in Maroua marks a strategic shift in the campaign, reinforcing the Far North’s place in the national calculus. As the October 12 election approaches, Biya’s performance here may well influence perceptions, turnout, and momentum.
