Paul Biya, Nguema, and how Big Men’s long goodbyes become a political disease

Africa’s enduring strongmen cling to power as reform, hope, and democracy fade into the twilight of their long reigns.

Photo credit: John Nyaga | Nation Media Group

Cameroon’s President Paul Biya just stood again in the October 12 presidential election, hoping to clinch yet another term when the results are announced on October 26.

Vote counting that takes this long often gives incumbents time to “kuchangachanga,” just enough to manufacture those magical margins that turn fatigue into “popular mandate.”