281. Papa has made too many ​people suffer

Cameroon, a former German colony, was divided between Britain and France after World War I. In recent years, violence between government forces and separatists has killed thousands in the two English-speaking regions.

President Paul Biya, 93, has been in power since 1982. I think he is the oldest head of state in the world. 

I recall an intriguing story about him. During his 2025 campaign for an eighth term, Biya's daughter, Brenda, shared a video on social media urging voters to support a different candidate, saying Biya has made too many people suffer.

Although she later removed the post, posters in towns were screaming, “Papa has made too many people suffer.”

It was really an interesting outburst by a daughter for whatever reason.

Pope Leo recently visited Cameroon amid great fanfare. A separatist alliance announced it would observe a three-day safe passage to allow civilians and visitors to move freely during the pope's visit.

Leo was on a 10-day tour of four African countries. He strongly urged the government “to combat corruption and resist the influence of the wealthy and powerful. For peace and justice to prevail, the chains of corruption - which disfigure authority and strip it of credibility - must be broken. Hearts must be set free from an idolatrous thirst for profit.” Good words.

Biya listened to the pope's speech without showing any reaction. Later, his government denied all accusations of corruption and human rights abuses, insisting that the stability he provides helps Cameroon avoid the conflicts that have affected other countries in the region.

I am sure Biya has gone deaf.