Understanding the Protest of February 2008 in Cameroon

This paper examines the sources of the protest of February 2008 in Cameroon by focusing on the role of youth in those events. Organized by transportation unions, the protest turned into a demonstration against President Paul Biya's policies. Existing studies of the protest marginalize youths, but this study is different. First, an analysis is conducted with characteristics germane to the youth population. Second, events are placed within the context of youth-protest activities during the Biya era. Third, a background of constitutional issues, debates, amendments, and reactions by the population and media are examined, and conclusions focus on the meaning of those events in the ongoing development of contemporary Cameroonian and African society.