Yaoundé: In a widespread letter, Leon Theiler, a ruling party militant and councillor of the Monatele Municipality in the Center region, called President Paul Biya to seek retirement and not a rerun in 2025.

According to Cameroon News Agency, the letter to the nonagenarian statesman comes at the height of calls for him to seek re-election. Councillor Leon Theiler stated that his counsel reflects the thoughts of many within the party who lack the audacity to speak up.

Praising President Biya for his bid towards multi-partism in 1990, thereby fostering democracy, Theiler believes that this achievement will be a significant part of Biya’s legacy. Expressing gratitude for what he considers satisfactory service, he emphasized that it is time for Biya to retire and inspire the next generation of leaders.

Theiler further criticized party militants who continue to encourage Biya to seek re-election, accusing them of undermining his achievements. He urged Biya to organize an ordinary congress, as the current chair
of the CPDM, to realign the party with what he perceives as the majority’s choice.

‘Mr President, despite your goodwill, you no longer have the energy of twenty years ago to control – whether it be opposition or certain members of your party. They are the real oppressors of this youth that you qualified as spearheads of the nation,’ stated Leon Theiler.

In a contrasting development, some youths who previously called on Paul Biya to continue his leadership after 42 years during his 92nd birthday on February 13, 2025, have also declared intentions to sponsor the necessary payment for Biya’s candidacy.