February 16, 2026, marked the hundredth day of Cameroonian President Paul Biya's new term, which began on November 6, 2025, following his re-election for an eighth consecutive term. This symbolic milestone comes amid high post-election tensions, marked by allegations of fraud during the October 12, 2025, election.
Despite the continuity in power, the living conditions of the Cameroonian population have not seen any notable improvement. The anticipation of a government reshuffle, traditionally seen as a strong signal of new directions, remains unfulfilled. This lack of reorganization fuels questions about the executive's ability to inject new momentum and respond to the country's urgent challenges.
After more than 43 years at the head of state, Paul Biya's record raises pressing expectations, particularly in the education sector. Persistent structural difficulties in this area, a pillar of development, fuel a sense of frustration among the public. A re-evaluation of public policies is essential to meet the needs of the population.
Access to basic services, such as drinking water and electricity, also remains a major challenge. Despite the existence of energy infrastructure, large portions of the population, including in urban areas, suffer recurrent shortages. Improving the quality of public services and modernizing infrastructure are essential priorities.
The country's governance remains tainted by corruption. Cameroon ranks 142nd out of 180 countries according to Transparency International's 2025 Corruption Perception Index. This data underscores the urgency of profound reforms to strengthen the transparency and efficiency of public institutions.
As Paul Biya begins his new term, socio-economic and governance challenges persist, calling for concrete actions to meet the expectations of the Cameroonian population. The lack of significant changes since his inauguration continues to fuel questions about the country's trajectory.
