President Biya Goes Tough On Abuses, Harassments Targeting Young Girls, Urges Youths To Avoid Bad Behavior

By Raymond Dingana 

In his annual Youth Day address on February 10, 2026, President Paul Biya called on young people to reject harmful behaviors and act responsibly. He emphasized that the future of Cameroon rests in their hands.

You must understand this. It is essential that you avoid the risky behaviors some of you have recently engaged in, such as delinquency, alcohol and drug abuse, immoral conduct, and excessive use of social media,

 he stated.

Recognizing the crucial role parents play in a child's upbringing, the president also urged them to be proactive. 

Parents and educators must take their responsibilities seriously and should not tolerate or encourage bad behavior.

The president acknowledged the challenges faced by young girls in Cameroon, who often suffer from various forms of abuse. He committed to enhancing their protection, saying,

 I have instructed the relevant authorities to strengthen support for young girls in schools, families, and workplaces, as they frequently experience harassment and abuse.

Finally, President Biya appealed to the youth to contribute to a peaceful and united Cameroon, stating that true development can only occur in a stable environment.

Given that this is not the first time the President has made promises to the youth with very little impact observed afterward, observers say the message to the youth is similar to those delivered for decades. Yet, young people still face significant challenges as they struggle to make ends meet.

Whether or not the new basket of promises from the head of state will actually come to fruition, only time will tell.