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How the Old President Uses Social Media to Connect with Young People in Cameroon

Doggy
34 日前

CameroonYouth Enga...Digital Po...

Overview

Bridging the Digital Divide: The Reality of Biya’s Social Media Tactics

In a nation vibrant with youthful energy—where over 60% of the population is under 25—President Paul Biya, now 92, is attempting to harness social media as a tool to connect with the younger generation. His team has ramped up activity, flooding Facebook and Twitter with frequent posts, EVOKING AN IMAGE of modern leadership. Yet, the harsh truth remains that most young Cameroonians prefer WhatsApp, a platform where Biya’s presence is nearly nonexistent. This disconnect exposes a glaring gap—while his administration broadcasts speeches and celebratory messages, they overlook the channels where youth spend the majority of their time and energy. The effort, therefore, appears more like a symbolic gesture than a genuine attempt to bridge the digital divide—highlighting how far his strategies are from effective engagement.

The Illusion of Authenticity: Why Young People Are Skeptical

One of the most significant flaws in Biya’s online efforts is the sheer lack of authenticity. Unlike leaders who personally engage with their constituents, Biya’s social media accounts are managed solely by his team. This creates an unmistakable artificiality that young users instinctively sense, and which breeds distrust. For example, comments on platforms like Facebook and X often range from witty sarcasm—such as a user joking about him discovering the internet in 2025—to blunt criticisms exposing the superficiality of his posts. Furthermore, the frequent ignoring or deletion of comments signifies a one-sided approach, where interaction is minimal or non-existent. This top-down broadcasting style signals that the campaign is more about optics than genuine connection. In today’s digital age, authentic interaction—listening, responding, and involving youth in discussions—is crucial for building trust and inspiring hope.

Why Moving Beyond Surface-Level Tactics Is Critical for Cameroon’s Future

The importance of genuine digital engagement in Cameroon cannot be overstated, especially considering that over 50% of the voting population is under 30. These young people yearn for tangible change—more employment opportunities, improved security, clean governance—but Biya’s online presence largely promotes recycled speeches and nostalgic references to past achievements. For example, reposting a speech from 2000 about leadership, merely days after a prominent critic within his circle publicly denounced his long tenure, demonstrates how disconnected his outreach is from the pressing realities. Such superficial tactics—while easy and quick—fail to inspire hope or trust. What is truly needed is a strategic evolution: transforming from mere broadcasting to authentic dialogue—addressing youth concerns directly and demonstrating real leadership. Only when digital platforms are used to forge genuine connections, foster transparency, and show tangible action will Cameroon’s social media efforts succeed in promoting meaningful progress, thus serving as a powerful catalyst for future social cohesion and democratic development.


References

  • https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c...
  • https://gs.statcounter.com/social-m...
  • https://datareportal.com/reports/di...
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