Former Minister Challenges Cameroon's Long-time President Amid Growing Discontent

With elections on the horizon, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, a former key ally of President Biya, resigns from the government to launch a presidential bid, criticizing the current political system and exploring federalism as a solution to the ongoing crisis in Cameroon.

Issa Tchiroma Bakary, a prominent political figure and former minister in Cameroon's government, has stepped down to challenge President Paul Biya, who has held power for nearly four decades. At 92, Biya's potential candidacy for an unprecedented seventh term hangs in the balance, as Bakary has labeled his administration as "broken" and indicative of a lack of trust among the population.

Bakary announced his intentions just four months before elections, switching allegiance to a rival party, citing a need for a political landscape that serves the people rather than an individual. "A country cannot exist in the service of one man," he stated, as he laid out his vision for the country's future in a lengthy manifesto following his resignation.

During his tenure, Bakary has faced scrutiny for his handling of sensitive issues, such as the humanitarian impacts of military actions in conflict zones. His resignation follows an apparent divergence with Biya, highlighted by his recent remarks about the former president's failure to benefit local communities.

Seeking to address the deteriorating socio-economic conditions—including high unemployment, rampant inflation, and rising corruption—Bakary advocates for a federal system that grants more autonomy to Cameroon’s ten provinces, a proposal that could potentially ease tensions with the marginalized English-speaking regions.

In his manifesto, Bakary asserted that Cameroon has been stifled by a singular vision for too long, urging a shift away from the current centralized governance which he deems ineffective. He specifically targeted the needs of English-speaking citizens, expressing that they need to be included in discussions rather than merely represented.

However, as Bakary moves forward with his campaign, the government's repressive measures against dissent raise concerns about the electoral environment. Reports indicate that authorities have restricted political activities of his new party in the North, where Bakary is a notable figure. Meanwhile, fellow presidential contender Maurice Kamto has faced restrictions on his movements, signaling an increasingly hostile climate for opposition political activities.

Reactions to Bakary's shift have been diverse, with some viewing his move as a savvy political maneuver aimed at distancing himself from Biya's legacy. Analysts suggest that with the numerous challenges facing the country, there exists an appetite for change.

Nonetheless, skepticism remains among opposition circles, with some critics arguing Bakary's long association with Biya undermines his credibility as a true reformist. Others believe his chances of winning the presidency are slim, citing the distrust among the youth particularly towards long-time members of Biya's administration.

As Cameroonians prepare for the upcoming elections, the narrative around Bakary will likely continue to evolve as it reflects broader questions regarding leadership, governance, and the future direction of the nation amidst escalating unrest and demands for change.