Cameroon's Aging President Struggles to Connect with Youth through Social Media**

President Paul Biya's efforts to modernize his approach via social media ahead of the upcoming elections face skepticism from young Cameroonians, as authenticity and real engagement are lacking.**

Paul Biya, who has held the presidency of Cameroon since 1982, is facing a significant challenge in engaging the nation’s youth through social media, despite increasing his online activity. As he officially launched his campaign for an eighth term, experts observed that his efforts to connect digitally have not resonated with the younger demographic.

With over 5.4 million active social media users in Cameroon, approximately 95% of the youth primarily utilize WhatsApp for communication—a platform where Biya is notably absent. Rostant Tane, director of Media Intelligence Sarl, highlighted the lack of engagement and interactive content, limiting the reach of Biya’s strategy among young voters who feel alienated from current political discourse.

Several communication experts expressed concerns about the authenticity of the president's communication. Many young voters are aware that Biya himself is not crafting the posts, which creates a disconnect between his administration and the populace. This high-level communication approach gives the impression of a mere public relations strategy rather than a genuine effort to engage and address the needs of the youth.

In a country where over 60% of the population is under 25, the youth vote holds significant power. Ulrich Donfack, a communications specialist, emphasized the need for political engagement to center around democratic ideals rather than promotional tactics. Young citizens demand real solutions to pressing issues like unemployment and corruption, rather than nostalgic references to Biya's past achievements.

Despite Biya's longstanding presence in politics, the content shared through his accounts focuses heavily on historical speeches rather than immediate contemporary issues. Recent posts have included excerpts from speeches made over decades, which critics argue fail to connect with the realities faced by today's youth.

Though some state media praised Biya's newfound digital engagement as a refreshing initiative, much of the online reaction displays skepticism. Comments from users reflect a sense of disappointment, highlighting the disconnect between the digital content and the immediate needs of citizens— "Cameroonians want roads, not hashtags," expressed one frustrated voter.

As the election draws closer, it remains uncertain whether Biya's attempts at modern political communication will translate into a meaningful connection with younger voters, who are increasingly seeking tangible improvements to their living conditions rather than generic online interactions.