Cameroon’s Minister of Higher Education, Jacques Fame Ndongo, is presiding over a national conference today in Yaoundé to examine the philosophical and political framework of “community liberalism,” a doctrine attributed to President Paul Biya.
The event, scheduled for Wednesday, July 30, 2025, brings together academics, political analysts, and government officials to reflect on the relevance of Biya’s ideology for Cameroon’s future.
Titled “Paul Biya’s community liberalism, a political thought for the present and the future of Cameroon,” the conference is structured around the launch of two scholarly volumes that dissect the long-serving president’s vision.
According to Minister Fame Ndongo, the first volume, “Paul Biya’s community liberalism, an idea of the State and national unity,” explores the ideological underpinnings of governance, national cohesion, and state architecture under Biya’s leadership. The second volume, “Paul Biya’s community liberalism, a vision of man and development,” delves into the socio-economic and human development aspects of the president’s political philosophy.
The event marks a continued effort to institutionalise Biya’s intellectual and political legacy, particularly as his four-decade presidency becomes a subject of academic scrutiny and national discourse.
“This collective scientific production is a contribution to political thought. It presents a framework to understand community liberalism as a living and evolving ideology that speaks to both governance and human development,” said Minister Jacques Fame Ndongo.
The conference also serves as part of the broader commemorative activities marking President Biya’s over 40 years in office. Supporters describe his doctrine as a hybrid between liberal economic policy and strong community values—a blend they say has shaped Cameroon’s political landscape since the early 1980s.
As the nation continues to grapple with questions about political succession, national unity, and development, the conference aims to offer an intellectual lens through which Biya’s legacy can be assessed and projected into the future.
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