A call to the international community and to all those for whom democracy is more than a slogan
Dear readers,
We live in a world where power increasingly triumphs over humanity. Where the law of the strongest has become the norm and the will of the people is stifled by the interests of a small elite. Cameroon is one of the most shocking examples of this.
For over four decades, this Central African country has been ruled by a single man: Paul Biya. Now 92 years old, he intends to run again in October 2025 – after already 42 years in power. For many Cameroonians, he is little more than a phantom: for years, he has led the country mostly from afar, often from hotels in Switzerland.
The Facade of a Democracy
Officially, Cameroon is a democracy. But behind this facade lies an authoritarian system that systematically suppresses any form of political participation. This is evident from the research of Prince Forghab of the Africa Oxford Initiative, among others: Biya controls all central state functions – from the military to the judiciary, state-owned enterprises, and universities. That is, if we assume he still personally controls anything at all… There is no independent electoral commission, no neutral judiciary, no functioning separation of powers.
In 2008, Biya changed the constitution to remove term limits. Since then, he can effectively govern indefinitely. The “opposition parties” created by his own party mainly serve to undermine and weaken real opposition. At the same time, demonstrations critical of the government are brutally suppressed – only the ruling party CPDM is allowed to gather publicly.
Ethnic Division as a Strategy for Power
Particularly concerning is the deliberate fostering of ethnic divisions. In a country with over 250 ethnic groups, the government fills key positions almost exclusively with people from its own ethnic group, especially from the Bulu/Beti group. This nepotism has deeply eroded trust in state institutions.
Even in the diaspora and diplomatic service, communication often takes place in the languages of these ethnicities – a clear sign of institutional exclusion and discrimination.
A System of Fear and Paralysis
Most citizens know that Biya no longer governs himself, but that a small, corrupt clique is holding the country hostage. But any form of resistance is met with violence. Those who protest risk repression, imprisonment, or worse. Even ministers report that they have never met the president in person. Cabinet meetings haven’t taken place for decades. And yet the system keeps running – for those who benefit from it.
Is There a Solution?
The key question is: how can such a system be brought to an end? A united opposition could be one path – but Cameroon is far from that. More than 80 presidential candidates are planning to run in 2025, many driven by personal ambitions for power and money rather than genuine reform. As long as there is no unified front, no credible candidate for renewal, real change remains an illusion.
Where Is Europe’s Responsibility?
While the European Union is quick to raise its voice in countries like Mali or Niger, it remains remarkably silent when it comes to Cameroon. Development aid continues to flow, loans are granted – even from Germany. No one monitors or verifies the legitimacy or proportionality of this support. As a result, the political reality of this kleptocracy is hardly questioned. An oppressive system is thus financed and supported – at the expense of Cameroon’s young generation, who yearn for opportunity and justice.
If democracy in Africa is to be more than just a geopolitical tool, now is the time to take a stand. Africa’s youth needs international support – not just financial, but political and moral. Those who tolerate authoritarian regimes cannot claim to be guardians of democratic values.
Change Begins with Honesty
Cameroon’s rulers (the entire clique) are, quite literally, ancient – along with a mindset that prioritizes power retention over the common good. Yet the country has potential. It needs courageous voices, supportive partners, and a clear will for renewal. Without these elements, the future risks becoming one in which bloodshed once again becomes the only language of protest.
It’s not too late. But the time to act is now.
Veye Tatah