Former Minister of State Bello Bouba Maïgari has formally written to the Presidency of the Republic, pleading with President Paul Biya to grant him permission to travel abroad for urgent medical treatment, sources have confirmed.
The request comes amid Cameroon’s strict restrictions that bar both serving and former ministers from leaving the country without express authorization. These measures, often justified by the government as a safeguard against flight risks or accountability gaps, have sparked debate whenever health emergencies arise among senior officials.
Bello Bouba, a seasoned political figure and long-time ally of the ruling establishment, is reportedly facing a severe health condition that requires specialized treatment unavailable in Cameroon. His appeal is now testing the limits of the travel restrictions imposed on the political elite.
The development has quickly stirred public discussion, especially in the context of the upcoming presidential race. Some commentators have questioned why, if the former minister’s health situation is as critical as described, he remains a political player instead of stepping aside in favour of younger, healthier candidates. The conversation adds to the growing calls for generational renewal in Cameroon’s political landscape, long dominated by familiar figures.
Critics argue that the plea to President Biya underscores a paradox: while senior officials often emphasize loyalty to the state and its institutions, their reliance on foreign medical systems highlights persistent shortcomings in Cameroon’s healthcare infrastructure. For many ordinary citizens, who must endure underfunded hospitals and limited access to specialized care, the sight of the political elite seeking evacuation abroad reinforces a sense of inequality.
As the Presidency reviews Bello Bouba’s request, the case will be closely watched. It raises broader questions about governance, accountability, and the future of leadership in Cameroon. Will the veteran politician be allowed to leave, or will the restrictions remain firmly in place? More importantly, will this incident reignite debate over the need to prepare a new generation for national leadership?
For now, Bello Bouba Maïgari’s letter to Paul Biya is both a personal cry for survival and a political moment that could influence public perceptions as the nation edges closer to another decisive election season.
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