Paul Biya is the little known kleptocratic president of the central African country of Cameroon. He came to power in 1982 after what is believed to be a deal orchestrated by France, Cameroon's colonial and neo-colonial master. This deal led to the resignation of the then president of the country, Amadou Ahidjo. Paul Biya is one of the most secretive presidents of Africa, fearing that any international attention may call attention to the violence that he metes on his people. He is however one of the most dictatorial presidents of the continent having violently suppressed peaceful opposition to his reign on many occasions. Just as the president of Niger who was recently overthrown, Paul Biya also amended the constitution that called for presidential term limits so that he could run again for the presidency in 2011. During his reign, the standard of living of the people has declined and the country has become increasingly corrupt. Like many African leaders, he is noted for his extravagance and theft of public wealth. Cameroon is a minor exporter of oil but much of the money generated goes straight to Biya. He spends much of his time in Europe, especially in France, which is his power base. Biya is a devout Roman Catholic. In the above picture, he welcomes Pope Benedict XVI to Cameroon in 2009. The lady in the picture is Biya's second wife, Chantal.
Most of the helpful videos regarding Paul Biya are in French, like this one which contains one of the many interviews he sometimes gives to French (not Cameroonian) journalists: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AMzGPmtrd7Q
For his thieving activities, see http://en.afrik.com/article15837.html and http://www.ko.org.za/bl101/?p=211
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