Editorial: When Biya complains about his regime!.

President Paul Biya

In a monarchy like in the United Kingdom, the Head of State, who is the King, is said to "do no wrong". He blames the government for laxity, inefficiency, and in extreme cases, the Prime Minister submits his resignation for a reinvigorated team to be put in place.



In Cameron, even though President Paul Biya resides in royalty, Unity Palace, he is an elected Head of State. He fires his ministers when things go wrong.

For years now, there has been numerous speculations about an impending cabinet shakeup as Cameroonians complain about bad roads, ecliptic electricity, insufficient drinking water, soaring fuel prices and pervasive corruption that have combined to make cost of living excruciatingly tasking for Cameroonians.

In his end-of-year speech at a time the presidential election is slated for October this year, there were many expectations from the Head of State.

In a synopsis, the speech was replete with complaints, promises to resolve the challenges and self-campaign, which as a political dribbler in his own class, he was not explicit if he will take a record seven term at 93 or not.

First, the complaints, as he stated, Cameroonians have "lost their lives this year as a result of accidents, some of which could have been avoided. These include road accidents as well as the collapse of buildings constructed in violation of the regulations in force".

On security which he said is a prerequisite for economic and social progress, which he explained had been and remains the core priority of his regime, he added that "...some areas of our country continue to face cowardly attacks from terrorist groups and serious crime...this security crisis is undermining the development of these Regions and plunging many families into mourning".

As regards the situation in the North West and South West Regions, he was unsatisfied that "the atrocities being committed by some armed gangs, continue to target mainly the civilian population". 

On social amenities, the Head of State was not happy that the “current high population growth of our country has definitely reduced the impact of these [social amenities] efforts due to ever-increasing demand".

He was also not impressed that electricity "load shedding" and "drinking water supply is another major challenge".

Biya expressed the "frustration" of Cameroonians "about the deterioration of our urban and interurban roads. As you know, this situation significantly impacts economic activities and is often a major cause of traffic accidents".

He also mentioned the "challenges faced in enrolling on the electoral register due to lack of National Identity Cards".

It was a speech full of quotes on problems, challenges, promises and as usual fight against corruption, but ignoring the declaration of assets, which should be the main weapon against the embezzlement and misappropriation of public funds.

He conceded, however, that: "Despite the weaknesses I have outlined, we must not overlook the significant efforts made" in the economic, social and financial domains with an estimated growth rate of 3.8% in 2024, which is projected to reach 4.1% in 2025.

"Measures taken to limit speculative behaviour and increase the supply of essential goods have helped to contain inflation at 5% this year, down from 7.4% in 2023.This trend is expected to continue in 2025, to stand at 4%," he said.

Every Cameroonian on the street knows that such statistics do not translate into reality on the ground, given for instance that a bag of rice that sold in 2023 at 18,000 FCFA today sells at 28,000 FCFA, while a bottle of beer sold then at 650 FCFA, today is selling at 900 FCFA in several parts of the country! Who will believe that inflation is dropping?

Will another removal of fuel subsidies this year not provoke a spiral of price hikes in all sectors of the economy?

Why has Yaounde been unable to repair SONARA, more than four years after it was partly razed by fire? What has happened to the Tiko Airport, Limbe Deep Sea Port and the cement factory in Limbe?

Major promises with little realisation, delayed or abandoned projects that prick the President to complain, despite his good intentions. To blame them on shocks from abroad is just warp excuses for regime failure in development, which in Cameroon are dictated by "high instructions", not necessarily from the Head of State.

President Biya, despite the daunting problems, some progress and as usual high-sounding promises, expectedly glossed his speech with a campaign slot.

"My Dear Compatriots, we will, as in the past, together, turn these challenges into opportunities...I particularly appreciate the unwavering and massive support you have always given me over the years. It is this unwavering trust that has inspired my tireless efforts to meet your aspirations. I can assure you that my resolve to serve you remains steadfast and grows stronger by the day as we address the immense challenges facing us," he said. 

That "resolve to serve" is being interpreted by his party lackeys as seeking another term. 

In over four decades, his regime has served Cameroonians and yet complaints are being rolled out every year by the regime, with promised solutions that are not making significant progress and impact.

At The Guardian Post, while we wish the Head of State a Happy New Year and appreciate his initiative to solve the problems he complained of, he should make a sweeping cabinet reshuffle and then prepare the ground for a potential successor to sell his aspiration to Cameroonians in October before taking a deserve retirement.

 

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3330 of Monday January 06, 2025

 

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