Paul Biya, Cameroon’s long-serving President and candidate for the October 12, 2025 presidential election, is expected to visit Maroua tomorrow, Tuesday 7 October 2025, for a major campaign event. Actu Cameroun+1
What We Know
- According to official announcements, the Prefect of Diamaré—the department containing Maroua—has urged all residents, especially those in the city of Maroua, to mobilize massively to welcome the President. The visit is being treated as an official campaign event. Actu Cameroun
- The highlight of the day will be a large meeting held at the Stade Municipal Lamido Yaya Dahirou in Maroua. Actu Cameroun+1
- Local traditional leaders— from Salak, Gaklé, Katoual, Yonkolé, Makabaye and Meskine — are being asked to rally community groups and cultural performance troupes to line the route from Salak to Maroua as the presidential motorcade passes. Actu Cameroun
- Municipal officials (the Mayor, Sous-Préfet, etc.) have been assigned to ensure logistical support and that all protocol and public arrangements are effective. Actu Cameroun
Why This Matters
- First Major On-Ground Rally by Biya: So far in the campaign, President Biya has mostly communicated via social media and his campaign machinery. koaci.com Tomorrow’s event is being billed as his first major in-person meeting of this campaign in Maroua. koaci.com+1
- Strategic Symbolism: Maroua, in the Far North Region, has historically been a stronghold for Biya and the ruling party (RDPC). Holding a large public meeting here is a way to reaffirm support and display strength. koaci.com+3camer.be+3Actu Cameroun+3
- Mobilization and Visibility: The call for traditional leaders and cultural groups to decorate the route, the mobilization of local populations, is meant not only to show support but to create visibility and momentum for Biya’s campaign. Actu Cameroun
What to Watch Out For
- Turnout: The extent of participation will be watched closely—both by the RDPC (to showcase strength) and by opposition-narrative observers (to gauge public sentiment).
- Security and Logistics: Given the scale, ensuring safe and organized transportation, crowd control, and compliance with local rules will be important.
- Speeches and Promises: What specific policies Biya will emphasize in Maroua—the economic plans, youth employment, infrastructure in the Far North—will likely be emphasized to connect with local voters.
- Opposition Position: How opposition groups respond or campaign in parallel could affect the messaging. Also, whether criticisms (e.g. about workload, campaign conduct) emerge will matter.
Context
This event comes amid heightened political activity as Cameroon prepares for its presidential election on October 12. Biya, aged 92, is seeking a 8th term in office. His campaign slogan for this election is “Le Septennat des Grandes Espérances” (The Seven-year term of Great Hopes). camer.be+2Ecofin Agency+2 Media coverage has noted that while his campaign machinery has been active, his personal appearances have been relatively few, so tomorrow’s rally in Maroua may carry additional importance. koaci.com