Civil society actor Akaba A. James has described Cameroon as standing “on the brink of one of its most dynamic political eras,” urging citizens, opposition parties, and policymakers to seize the moment to rebuild institutions and restore public trust after the country’s 2025 presidential election.
Speaking in the wake of heightened political debate over the post-election transition, Akaba said the country’s democracy remains fragile, weighed down by decades of inertia, constitutional manipulation, and misplaced loyalty within the ruling establishment.
“Cameroon must decide whether to continue surviving under fatigue or begin living under hope,” he told reporters in Yaounde. “This is not just a political transition, it is a moral test for the nation.”
A Parliament of Silence
For Akaba, the National Assembly has become a symbol of the country’s democratic stagnation. He notes that the long-serving Speaker, Cavaye Yeguié Djibril, embodies a political culture that prizes allegiance over accountability.
“No one has ever challenged the Speaker’s re-election for decades,” Akaba observed. “When loyalty replaces merit, the people’s voice is lost. Parliament should question power, not applaud it.”
He argued that many lawmakers have traded independence for privilege, returning to their constituencies to distribute “bread and sardine” while preaching loyalty rather than service.
A Constitution Bent to Power
Akaba further lamented the 2008 constitutional amendment that removed presidential term limits, saying it transformed a promising republic into a “permanent incumbency.”
“The day we accepted an endless presidency,” he said, “we buried the spirit of renewal.”
He also denounced what he called the “alarming intrusion” of the Ministry of Territorial Administration in electoral affairs, accusing it of undermining both ELECAM and the Constitutional Council, the two institutions tasked with ensuring transparent elections.
“When the referee becomes a player,” he cautioned, “the game loses its integrity.”
New Dynamics After the Polls
Despite his criticisms, Akaba sees opportunity ahead. With the presidential election concluded, he believes the upcoming municipal and parliamentary polls could introduce new political dynamics.
“Voters are more conscious than before,” he said. “We may witness major shifts at the local level as citizens begin voting based on conviction, not fear.”
He suggested that while Issa Tchiroma’s FSNC gained momentum in the presidential race, the MRC and SDF could reclaim space if they reconnect with their grassroots.
Reclaiming the Opposition
Akaba called on the SDF to reconcile with estranged members, including the so-called “G27,” and rebuild unity ahead of the legislative contests. He praised the recent decision to relaunch the party’s campaign from Bamenda as “a courageous step toward rebuilding trust.”
“The SDF must apologize to its base, especially the diaspora, for past misjudgments,” he added, referring to the controversial letter co-signed by SDF MPs in 2020 that called for the repatriation of Cameroonians accused of supporting separatists.
According to Akaba, the party must also learn from Issa Tchiroma’s example of humility. “His apology in Bamenda won him new respect,” he said. “Cameroon is ready to forgive but only when leaders are ready to admit their mistakes.”
A Call for Civic Courage
Beyond partisan politics, Akaba appealed to citizens to reclaim ownership of their democracy.
“Change will not come from decrees or speeches,” he said. “It will come when Cameroonians demand integrity, from the village council to the National Assembly.”
He concluded with a stark reminder:
“For over 40 years, power has outlived accountability. The next few years will determine whether Cameroon continues to recycle fatigue or finally embraces renewal.”
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