Joseph Espoir Biyong, currently the sixth deputy mayor of the Douala 5th district, has announced that he will not be seeking another term in the upcoming 2026 municipal elections. This decision follows his joining the Front for the National Salvation of Cameroon (FSNC), a party that has chosen to boycott the upcoming municipal and legislative elections.
Biyong made the announcement on March 11, 2026, through a post on social media, expressing his desire to be seen as an upright, fair, and honest man. He stated that he was ready to lose everything rather than betray his principles, preferring to be loved and respected rather than feared.
Declaring that he never aspired to be mayor, Biyong is thus renouncing the benefits associated with his position at the end of his term, which lasted longer than expected. He believes that a man's worth is not measured by his material wealth but by his ability to leave a lasting positive mark. He believes that other Cameroonians also deserve the opportunity to serve as municipal councilors or mayors.
This decision aligns with the position of the FSNC, led by former minister Issa Tchiroma Bakary, who decided not to participate in the 2026 elections as a sign of protest. As a party member, Biyong is taking responsibility for the consequences of his political commitment.
Biyong had previously expressed his support for Issa Tchiroma Bakary, contesting the results of the presidential election and calling for transparency. He had also called on the international community to address the political situation in Cameroon and the plight of opposition supporters. In February 2026, he officially joined the FSNC.
Joseph Espoir Biyong began his political career within the Cameroon Party for National Reconciliation (PCRN) before joining the Cameroon Democratic Party (PDC). He was elected sixth deputy mayor of Douala 5th in the 2020 municipal elections.
Joseph Espoir Biyong's choice not to run in the 2026 municipal elections marks a turning point in his political career, seeing him prioritize his personal convictions and commitment to his party rather than retaining his position and benefits.
