President Paul Biya on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, called on Cameroonians to remain united and resilient as the country prepares to face another year of economic, security and social challenges, reaffirming his commitment to lead what he described as a peaceful, stable and prosperous nation.
In his traditional New Year message to the nation, delivered from the Unity Palace, the Head of State reflected on his recent re-election and the end of a seven-year term, presenting the renewed mandate as both an endorsement of past achievements and a call for greater collective effort. He said the trust shown by voters in the October 12 presidential election strengthened his determination to continue serving the country.
Elections, Peace and Security
President Biya pointed to the successful organization of presidential and regional elections in 2025 as proof of the consolidation of democracy in Cameroon. While acknowledging tensions and unrest that followed the presidential poll, he praised the majority of citizens for their restraint, which he said helped preserve national unity and stability.
Security concerns featured prominently in the address.
The president commended defence and security forces for their ongoing fight against terrorism and criminal activity, particularly in regions affected by insecurity. He warned against rising lawlessness, violent rhetoric and challenges to State authority, insisting that disorder and impunity would not be tolerated.
Economy and Development Efforts
Reviewing the economic situation, Biya said structural reforms carried out with the support of international partners had helped stabilize public finances and maintain key macroeconomic balances despite a difficult global context. He noted a significant increase in the investment budget and measures aimed at containing inflation and boosting local production.
He highlighted major infrastructure projects, including the commissioning of the Nachtigal hydroelectric dam, the expansion of solar power plants in northern regions, and ongoing work on electricity transmission networks. According to the president, the government’s decision to take over electricity distributor ENEO marked a turning point in efforts to regain control over the strategic energy sector.
The president also announced plans to accelerate access to drinking water, rehabilitate and construct roads, and improve electricity supply to households and industries. Education, public health, digital development, industrial growth and agricultural processing were identified as key priorities for the year ahead.
Focus on Youth and Women
Looking to 2026, Biya said improving the situation of young people and women would be central to government action. He confirmed that 50 billion CFA francs had been earmarked in the 2026 State budget to fund youth-led projects under the Special Youth Employment Promotion Plan.
He stressed, however, that access to public office and promotions would continue to be based on competence, integrity and commitment to public service, while promising stronger action against discrimination based on ethnicity, gender, religion or age. He also pledged to better integrate Cameroonian expertise from the diaspora into national development efforts.
Appeal for Unity and Social Cohesion
In a strong appeal for national cohesion, President Paul Biya warned against hate speech and cultural division, urging citizens to embrace Cameroon’s ethnic, cultural and religious diversity as a source of strength. He called for intensified dialogue and cooperation, particularly in regions affected by conflict, to consolidate the gradual return to normalcy.
As he concluded his address, the president expressed confidence in the country’s future, acknowledging ongoing difficulties but insisting they were not insurmountable.
“I have faith in our collective ability to overcome challenges,” he said, extending his wishes for peace and prosperity to all Cameroonians as the nation heads into the New Year 2026.
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