Cintia A. , Lebledparle.com
Known for his outspoken views against the establishment, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Douala sent shockwaves through Yaoundé on Christmas Day by stating plainly that the time has come for Paul Biya to hand over power after decades of leadership.
Following a blunt evaluation of Biya’s record and given his advanced age, the clergyman advised the President to ignore those urging him to run for an eighth term.
> “What I wish for my country is a peaceful transition. This means organizing elections in accordance with proper standards—elections where everyone accepts the democratic process. We are human beings; eventually, we will leave this world. We cannot work miracles. Those calling on Biya to run again are being completely unrealistic,” declared Monsignor Kleda.
Whenever the opportunity arises, the Archbishop of Douala does not shy away from addressing societal and political issues in Cameroon.
“Democracy in Cameroon! It exists only in name. In reality, it does not,” he said regarding the upcoming elections in an interview with Équinoxe TV.
As one of the few clergymen known for taking bold stands, Mgr Kleda emphasized the need to amend current laws to prevent a potential post-electoral crisis in Cameroon.
It is worth noting that in 2011, Mgr Kleda, who succeeded the late Cardinal Christian Tumi as Archbishop of Douala, had already called for Paul Biya’s departure, citing widespread poverty as a key reason.
