Time for Change: Cameroon’s long-serving ministers must step aside
It has been over six years since President Paul Biya last reshuffled his cabinet, and in that time, Cameroon has faced numerous challenges that demand fresh leadership and new ideas. The last reshuffle, which occurred on January 4, 2019, saw the recycling of ministers who have been in government for decades, with some long past their prime.
Several ministers due for retirement were once again reappointed, including figures over 70 such as Jacque Fame Ndongo (Higher Education), Laurent Esso, Bello Bouba, and Mbella Mbella Lejeune (Foreign Affairs). These ministers, who have been in office for decades (some for over 30 years), continue to hold key positions despite the growing calls for a change in leadership.
In recent years, Cameroon has experienced a series of crises that highlight the need for new, dynamic leadership. From the deadly flash floods in Buea to the Mbankolo landslide in 2023, both of which resulted in numerous deaths and displacement, the government’s response has often been inadequate. The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Celestine Ketcha Courtes sparked controversy when she asked dissatisfied residents in the northern region, il-y- avait quoi avant?— essentially asking them if they had anything before Biya’s 42-year-rule.
The state of infrastructure is another pressing concern. During a recent visit to the Southwest, 92-year-old Martin Mbarga Nguele, the Delegate General for National Security, lamented on the poor condition of roads even though his counterpart, Emmanuel Nganou Djoumessi of Public Works insisted that his ministry had made progress. Despite these claims, most Cameroonians remain unconvinced, with the poor road conditions that have led to a rise in transport costs, long travel times, and an increase in road accidents.
The ongoing Anglophone Crisis, which has raged since 2016, continues to claim lives and displace thousands. Some ministers, like Paul Atanga Nji of Territorial Administration, have downplayed the severity of the conflict, even calling it “non-existent.” Despite the rising violence, human rights violations, and the displacement of over 600,000 people, ministerial visits to the affected regions have become rare, with promises of peace rarely materializing.
Additionally, gender inequality in the cabinet remains a concern. Female rights advocates point to the low numbers of women in government, with few holding significant positions. This lack of female representation, combined with the general public’s limited awareness of the contributions of many ministers, underscores the need for a leadership overhaul.
At 92 years old, President Paul Biya faces mounting pressure to address these issues. A cabinet reshuffle is not only overdue, but also essential for restoring confidence in the government and bringing about meaningful, tangible change in Cameroon.
Cameroonians are not stupid and for the Biya regime to think that they can use a carefully-crafted pro-Biya documentary to sanitize Biya’s image and suddenly use this it to endear Biya to the public is a laughable joke at best and an abysmal failure in public relations at worst.
Yaounde looks like a giant village with poor and dilapidating roads, unattended garbage at the Mokolo Market and at Bonas to name a few. If these things which are just under Mr. Biya’s nose are unattended to after over 40 years in power, the powers that be should take a long and hard look at things and fix them or step down if the job is too difficult for them.
