The Universal Mediator and leader of the Independent Commission against Corruption and Discrimination (COMICODI), as well as the Popular Movement for Dialogue and Reconciliation (MPDR), asserts that tribalism and personal friendships have no place in the future of the nation. For him, “there is only Cameroon, and there will only be Cameroon for eternity.”
This perspective addresses an existential challenge for the nation, the state, and the republic itself. No citizen can be considered untouchable in the current climate. Before any significant government restructuring or the introduction of a vice-president can occur, there must be a thorough cleaning of the political arena. The corruption runs deep, and the public’s expectations for accountability are high.
The fundamental question we face is whether we want a superficial makeover using the same toxic actors and influence networks, or if we truly desire strong, pragmatic institutions led by individuals of integrity and patriotism. Never before has a head of state dealt with a situation as intricate and hazardous as the one Paul Biya faces today. While his long tenure is often criticized, he cannot be held solely responsible for every national failure.
Throughout more than forty years of governance, the President has shown remarkable perseverance and a level of tolerance toward the blatant betrayals of those closest to him. Managing this situation is not as simple as flipping a switch or shuffling a few players. Understanding the complexities of the Cameroonian elite is crucial to grasping why a strategy of patience has become the President’s primary tool.
Time is revealing the true nature of those in power. We see the scale of the task ahead when a newly appointed board chairman immediately requests over one hundred million to renovate a private residence. The situation is critical, and the President is carefully weighing his options. Navigating this “basket of venomous crabs” without compromising the foundations of the republic requires immense caution.
There will be no “immortals” or “untouchables” protected by toxic networks. The focus remains on the destiny of future generations, transcending villages, tribes, or clans. While many argue that time is running out, the history of a nation is built on long-term sacrifice and patience. This is an existential struggle for the state, and the final outcome will determine the country’s path forward.
Yaoundé, July 1, 2026
