Courage, not Complacency will fashion Cameroon’s Political Future
Cameroon's political landscape is characterised by a highly centralized power command, untold hurdles in the way of political competition, and unresolved regional tensions. These structural issues have created a cycle of distrust between citizens and institutions, producing a political environment where reforms either slow or non-existent, civic participation is weak, and national unity is frequently strained
The general unrest that has ensued since the Presidential Election of 12th October, 2025 in Cameroon, has once more brought to the fore the multitude of flaws embedded in the country's political space, stuck in a cycle that everyone recognises but few are willing to confront. Power is overcentralized, elections and the exercise thereof, inspire more skepticism than confidence, and unresolved regional tensions—especially in the English-speaking regions—continue to gnaw the national fabric. The country’s youth (supposed leaders of tomorrow), its greatest asset, too often find themselves standing on the sidelines, disillusioned neither heard nor listened to.
But it will be abnormal to concuded that Cameroon is condemned to stick to this trajectory. The real obstacle isn’t a lack of solutions—it’s a lack of courage to implement them.
The first step is a genuine legal framework that prescribes and delivers on decentralisation. For decades, power has been trapped at the top and in the hands of an individual, suffocating local initiative and slowing development. Giving real authority and resources to councils and regional bodies would bring governance closer to the people and ease long-standing grievances. The same should be the case with the legislative and judicial arms of the state. given strong and independent voices capable of challenging and controlling the excesses of the executive.
Next, the electoral system needs a serious makeover. Cameroonians won’t trust their political institutions until elections are unquestionably fair, transparent, and competitive. Rewriting electoral laws, guaranteeing media access for all parties, and digitizing the voting process would restore the credibility that has long been missing.
Most urgently, the conflict in the North West and South West regions demands honest, inclusive dialogue. Symbolic gesturing will not cut it. Any lasting solution must recognise the regions' history, cultural identity, and the legitimate calls for autonomy within a united Cameroon.
It is imperative for the country to make room for its young people. When the majority population feels disconnected from politics, the system cannot claim to represent the nation. Youth quotas, civic education, and real support for young entrepreneurs are not luxuries—they are the requireed ingredients for stability.
Cameroon’s political problems are not mysteries; they are consequences of choices. And they can be solved by making different choices. What the country needs now is not another committee or speech—it needs political bravery, institutional honesty, and a willingness to build a system that truly serves its people.
The country is at crossroads and the challenges are significant, so too are the opportunities. By embracing meaningful decentralization, strengthening democratic institutions, resolving regional grievances through honest dialogue, and empowering its youth, Cameroon can transition from a fragile political system to a resilient and inclusive one.
The journey requires political will, citizen engagement, and a collective vision for a better future—one where governance serves the people, and the people trust their institutions. Only then can the long-standing political problems be transformed into a foundation for lasting stability and national renewal.
Steve Nfor(Retired Senior Journalist)
