As Cameroon prepares to mark 42 years under President Paul Biya’s leadership, the country is experiencing renewed calls for unwavering backing of the 91-year-old leader.

Biya, who returned to Cameroon on October 21 after a six-week absence amidst rumors about his health, has not indicated whether he intends to seek another term in office.

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Jean Nkuete, the Secretary General of Biya’s ruling party, the Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (RDPC), urged members to rally behind the president, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the country’s stability and progress.

In a letter to party members, Nkuete hailed Biya’s “fantastic record” and condemned the “malicious speculation” surrounding his health.

He also stressed Cameroon’s cultural respect for elders, calling for Biya to continue leading the nation beyond 2025.

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Several party branches have echoed the call for Biya to run again, including activists in the western region who signed a motion urging all Cameroonians, regardless of political affiliation, to support the president’s candidacy.

In Ebolowa, a documentary screening on Biya’s leadership was attended by officials, including Higher Education Minister Jacques Fame Ndongo, who also called for Biya to stand for re-election.

Biya, who has been in power since 1982 after succeeding Ahmadou Ahidjo, has not publicly addressed his political future.

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The question of his successor remains taboo, as Biya has made no public moves to name one.

His lengthy absence this time fueled speculation about his health, but on October 8, the government issued a statement affirming that Biya was working from Switzerland and would soon return to Cameroon.

Upon his return, Biya was warmly welcomed by party members, including the Secretary General of the Presidency, Ferdinand Ngoh Ngoh, and his wife, Chantal.

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Though there were reports of a lift for passengers with reduced mobility being used at the airport, Biya quickly resumed his duties, signing decrees, including military appointments, signaling that he remains firmly in control.

Supporters of Biya, including party officials like Deputy Secretary Gregoire Owona, insist that the president continues to work diligently for the country.

Biya’s presidency is often described as one marked by “absence, distance, and silence,” a strategy that some attribute to his longevity in power.

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The latest edition of the government publication “Time of Opportunity” dedicates extensive coverage to Biya’s diplomatic efforts, reinforcing his ongoing role as the central figure in Cameroon’s political landscape.

The Director General of the National Financial Investigation Agency (ANIF) in Equatorial Guinea, Baltasar Engonga, has been arrested following revelations that he recorded over 400 intimate videos featuring prominent women in the country, including the wives of top government officials.

The videos, which have caused a media scandal, allegedly include footage of Engonga engaging in sexual acts with various women, some of whom are married to influential figures, such as the wife of the Inspector General of Police, the spouse of a prominent minister, and even relatives of the country’s president.

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Some of the footage also reportedly shows Engonga with his own brother’s wife and his cousin’s spouse.

The investigation has revealed that Engonga used surveillance equipment for personal gain, secretly recording these encounters in various settings, including private homes, hotels, and even his office.

The videos were filmed with the women’s consent but were later leaked online, sparking outrage and widespread discussion.

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Local media outlet, Ahora EG reported that the scandal, which has been unfolding since October of last year, is one of the most shocking in the history of Equatorial Guinea.

The footage reportedly includes scenes filmed in Engonga’s office at the Ministry of Finance, with one particularly notable video showing the Director General engaging in sexual acts next to the country’s national flag.

In response to the scandal, the government issued a statement, saying that Engonga’s actions had tarnished the country’s image and that strong measures would be taken to hold public officials accountable.

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The government emphasized that these measures are intended to establish a precedent for ethical conduct in both public and private sectors in Equatorial Guinea.

The Attorney General of Equatorial Guinea, Nzang Nguema, commented on the viral videos, noting that although the women involved seemed to have consented, the legal focus would be on whether any coercion or exploitation occurred.

He acknowledged the risks associated with the scandal, particularly in terms of potential health concerns.

“The risk is not only to the women but to their spouses and the broader public, given the possibility of sexually transmitted diseases,” Nguema stated.

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Equatorial Guinea’s government also announced immediate suspensions for any officials found to have engaged in sexual activities within ministry offices.

This measure is part of a broader “zero tolerance” policy aimed at preserving the integrity and respect within the public administration.

Vice President Nguema Mangue further reiterated that the government would not tolerate any behavior that undermines public trust.

“Ethics and respect are paramount in our administration. Irresponsible behavior that puts the integrity of our institutions at risk will not be tolerated,” he declared.

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As Americans prepare to cast their votes today, the race for the presidency remains fiercely competitive, with Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump locked in a neck-and-neck battle.

Both candidates targeted the crucial swing state of Pennsylvania on the eve of Election Day, hoping to secure the victory in what is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable elections in recent memory.

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Trump, seeking a dramatic return to the White House, has predicted a “landslide” win, while Harris is optimistic about her chances, emphasizing that momentum is on her side as she aims to become the first female president of the United States.

However, polling data paints a picture of deadlock, with surveys showing a virtual tie both nationally and in the key swing states where the election will likely be decided.

Pennsylvania, as the largest swing state, remains the most prized battleground under the U.S. Electoral College system, with both campaigns pouring resources into securing its 20 electoral votes.

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Early voting has surged, with more than 78 million Americans having cast ballots, already nearing half of the total number in 2020.

Trump’s campaign is focused on a broad base of support, particularly among male, white, and non-college-educated voters, while Harris’s team is leaning on women voters and issues like abortion, which they believe could swing the election in her favor.

At rallies across the country, both candidates have been making their final appeals.

Trump, on a whirlwind tour of the battleground states, addressed a rowdy crowd in Georgia with a jibe aimed at Harris: “Kamala – you’re fired, get out.”

The former president also expressed regret over leaving the White House after his 2020 loss, suggesting he “shouldn’t have left,” and hinted that, like in 2020, he may again contest the results if he loses.

Harris, for her part, has been vocal about the momentum she’s gaining, particularly following a series of encouraging recent polls.

At a rally in Michigan, she declared, “We have momentum – it’s on our side,” and emphasized her stance on ending the war in Gaza, appealing to Arab-American voters who have been critical of U.S. handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict.

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The international community is closely watching the election, which has far-reaching implications for global affairs, including ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Russia’s war in Ukraine.

Both candidates have enlisted high-profile surrogates to boost their campaigns.

Trump has been supported by tech mogul Elon Musk, who has made headlines with his $1 million voter giveaways, while Harris has leaned on the star power of figures like former President Barack Obama, ex-First Lady Michelle Obama, and singer Beyoncé.

For many Americans, particularly in swing states, the election is fraught with tension and uncertainty.

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Khuraira Musa, a Nigerian-American Democrat, expressed her concerns over Trump’s agenda, particularly his “Project 2025,” which she believes would negatively impact Black communities, immigrants, climate change efforts, and women’s rights.

“I’m apprehensive, I’ve even volunteered to help Democratic voters in battleground states get to polling stations. Many others are doing the same.”

Despite fears about voter suppression, she emphasized that there was still strong turnout in critical states like Arizona, Georgia, and Michigan.

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Polling data as of Monday shows Trump slightly ahead by 2 points in a more favorable environment for Republicans, with a 50%-48% lead.

However, in an environment more favorable to Democrats, which includes higher turnout among women, college-educated white voters, and people of color, Harris holds a 3-point advantage.

Musa also refuted claims that Black voters are shifting toward Trump. “It’s simply untrue,” she said. “NBC polling shows Trump has only 9% support from Black voters, down from 12% in 2020.

Kamala Harris, on the other hand, has 87% support.”

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She reiterated her concerns over Trump’s immigration policies, highlighting his stance on mass deportations, which she fears will disproportionately impact undocumented African immigrants.

In contrast, Harris supports a pathway to citizenship for those living in the U.S. without legal status, as long as they have not committed crimes.

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As Election Day unfolds, all eyes are on the key swing states, where the outcome will ultimately determine whether Harris or Trump will emerge victorious and lead the United States for the next four years.