President Biya whose popularity ratings has dropped to its greatest low ever since he took office in 1982, has confirmed that he will chair the 57th edition of the final of the Cup of Cameroon.  The President’s participation in the end of year event has always been kept like a nuclear secret. This time around he has made public his decision to take part in the sporting ceremony through the Director of the Civil Cabinet at the presidency.

Paul Biya has often delegated his Prime Minister and Head of Government to represent him. But with cat calls coming even from his Francophone Beti-Ewondo supporters to step aside, the 83 year old recently announced that he will be at the Ahmadou Ahidjo stadium at 3:30 pm on Sunday, October 30, 2016 for the football finals- some thirty minutes before the kick off of the match between Bamboutos Mbouda and Apejes Mfou, two clubs of the National League 1 Championship.

As a tradition, all the best athletes of the 49 sports federations that have performed greatly for the 2016 sports season will receive their trophies from the head of state.  Biya returned to the country after more than a month abroad, and this will be his third public appearance.

By Rita Akana