Yaounde: Active debate over hand held cell phone ban by President Biya ⁰

President Biya has banned the use of mobile phones inside the presidency of the republic during the reception to be hosted by him and wife Chantal Biya tomorrow May the 2oth 2017. As the world continues to evolve and smartphone users have adopted the tendency to immortalize moments of happiness and to share with their entourage, the Cameroonian dictator, 84, who has spent almost 35 years in power, has forbidden mobile phones inside the presidential palace on the evening of May the 20th.

The decision was announced on state radio and television with standing instructions that dignitaries invited by the head of state will not be allowed to enter State House with their mobile phones. The decision has generated a huge public debate and aroused controversy throughout the nation’s capital, Yaounde.

Some political commentators have opined that the presidential security wants to avoid people taken private videos and photos of the president who is struggling to cope with old age but intends to continue to rule a country where a majority of the population is under 35 years of age.

Cameroon Concord News gathered that the presidential clan wants to protect the head of state and prevent guest taken photos and posting on social networks such as the one that occurred on May 20, 2016, when the limousine transporting President Biya broke down.

“The photo, taken by a guest from the rostrum was circulated on social media round the globe and made us uncomfortable,” said a highly placed government official who sued for anonymity. Security services are also considering a possible ban on the use of mobile phones during the parade at the 20^th May Boulevard.

By Chi Prudence Asong

Cameroon Concord News Group