OPINION: If only Cameroonians were as vocal on Cameroonian politics as they are on US politics!
By Hans Ngala
The recent victory of Donald Trump has generated conversations among a lot of Africans, including Cameroonians. Many Africans (mostly Christians) have been very vocal in their support for Trump, saying how they admire him and how they hate Trump’s predecessor Joe Biden.
While Trump was not voted by these Africans and certainly does not represent them, the open show of admiration for Trump (and disdain for Biden), are curiously noticeable. It begs the question, why are Africans so much in support of Donald Trump whose policies will adversely affect most of them? Why the disdain for Joe Biden when these same Africans do not channel as much energy in condemning their African leaders or holding them to account with as much scrutiny as they have been doing Biden who was not their president?
On the one hand, Africans simply support Trump because he says he is a Christian or stands for Christianity but a look at his actions are anything but Christian. He won his election by promising immigration reform, targeting undocumented immigrants in the US which some Christian leaders have argued is not correct. While Cameroonians voice their support for Trump, he has already asked for some 1,700 Cameroonians to be deported back to Cameroon and another 40,000 risk losing their temporary protected status (TPS) without the possibility of extension in June.
Apart from Trump’s claims to be a “Christian”, he shares nothing in common with the MAGA base that has grown across Africa, including Cameroon. Trump is currently making false claims that white people are being maltreated in South Africa and having their land taken. He had earlier made these claims during his first presidency. This selective outrage he has towards the treatment of white people, shows clearly how he defends the interests of white people and not the black Africans who revere him.
Cameroon’s President Paul Biya has been in power for over 40 years, largely in part because Cameroonians have failed to lambast him, scrutinize his leadership and hold him to account. Cameroonians seem rather obsessed with American politics, loving Trump and hating Biden instead of channeling that energy into holding Biya and his moribund government to the same high standards which would bring about tangible change in their lives.
Here are some suggestions on how Cameroonians can use their energy and voices for the right reasons:
Cameroonians should rather demand that their public officials declare assets
One of the most glaring issues that continues to plague Cameroon is the lack of transparency regarding the financial dealings of its leaders. It is a norm in many countries for leaders and public servants to disclose their earnings, but in Cameroon, the ruling elite operates with a veil of secrecy. President Paul Biya, as well as his ministers and senior government officials, continue to live in a bubble of opulence while the majority of Cameroonians struggle with poverty. The public remains largely in the dark about the salaries and allowances these officials receive, yet these figures are critical to understanding the true scale of corruption and misallocation of resources in the country – and how to solve it.
With the recent cuts to foreign aid from the US under the leadership of President Trump, it is even more important for Cameroonians to demand answers from their government. These cuts, which are aimed at tightening the US government’s budget and realigning foreign policy priorities, will severely affect several sectors in Cameroon that depend on international aid. Instead of focusing on the needs of the most vulnerable, the government continues to spend lavishly on luxury for its ministers and officials, while essential services like healthcare, education, and infrastructure remain underfunded.
If Cameroonians were as vocal about holding their own government accountable as they are about foreign leaders like Trump, they could demand full transparency on the wealth and earnings of Biya and his ministers. This would provide valuable insight into the disparities between the lavish lifestyles of government officials and the suffering of ordinary citizens.
Cameroonians should demand better infrastructure from Biya’s government
Infrastructure development is a crucial element of any country’s economic growth and national development. However, Cameroon’s airports and seaports have been sorely neglected over the years. The Yaoundé Nsimalen International Airport and Douala International Airport are both in poor states, with outdated equipment, poor maintenance, and subpar customer service. The same is true for the country’s seaports, which have long been a bottleneck for trade and economic progress.
When Cameroonians compare their airports and seaports with those of neighboring countries or even other African nations, it becomes clear how far behind Cameroon has fallen. Countries like Rwanda, Kenya, and South Africa have invested significantly in upgrading their infrastructure, and as a result, they have seen a boost in tourism, trade, and international business. In contrast, Cameroon’s infrastructure continues to crumble, holding back the potential for economic growth.
President Biya’s government has consistently failed to prioritize infrastructure development, despite the country’s potential. Instead, it continues to rely on foreign loans and aid to fund essential projects. Yet, with the recent cuts to international aid from countries like the US, Cameroon finds itself in a precarious position, with fewer resources to address infrastructure challenges.
Rather than focusing their attention on foreign political figures like Trump, Cameroonians should demand that their own government invest in modernizing airports, seaports, and other critical infrastructure. Better airports and seaports would boost tourism, enhance trade, and create jobs, ultimately benefiting the economy. The people of Cameroon must hold their government accountable for the country’s lack of investment in this essential sector and demand a future where these vital resources are upgraded to meet international standards.
Cameroonians should channel their energy into forbidding 92-year-old Biya from re-election
As the 2025 presidential elections approach, the question on everyone’s mind is whether President Paul Biya will seek re-election. At 92 years old, Biya has served as Cameroon’s president for more than 40 years. His prolonged reign has been marked by promises of progress that have largely gone unfulfilled, and under his leadership, the country has witnessed growing political repression, corruption, and economic stagnation.
In recent years, there has been an increasing sense of disillusionment among many Cameroonians who feel that Biya’s government has failed to deliver on its promises. The country remains plagued by poverty, inadequate healthcare, failing education systems, and crumbling infrastructure. Additionally, the ongoing conflict in the Anglophone regions, which has led to widespread suffering and displacement, remains unresolved, with little to no action from the government to seek a peaceful solution.
Yet, despite these challenges, Biya continues to maintain a tight grip on power. His refusal to step down and his intent to run for an eighth term have sparked a growing call for change. Cameroonians, however, have not been as vocal in demanding that Biya retire from politics, which has allowed him to persist in his political ambitions. If the people of Cameroon were to channel the same energy they reserve for American politics into their domestic affairs, they could organize and demand that Biya step down and allow for a peaceful transition of power. It is time for the nation to move past the era of one-man rule and embrace a future of democracy, accountability, and new leadership.
While Cameroonians have shown a keen interest in the recent US elections and political affairs, it is time for them to turn their focus inward. Instead of idolizing foreign leaders like Donald Trump and directing their attention towards foreign policies, Cameroonians must demand accountability from their own government. They must push for transparency, better infrastructure, and a change in leadership that will reflect their hopes for a prosperous and democratic future. By doing so, they will be taking the first steps toward ensuring a better Cameroon for future generations.
