A Critical Analysis of the Discrepancies in Cameroon’s Presidential Speech

Upon closer analysis of the speech delivered by the 92 year old president of Cameroon on the 31st December 2024, there is a significant disconnect between the president and his people. While it heavily emphasizes positive developments in security, economic growth, and social services, several areas of concern undermine the assertions made. 

President Paul Biya (Cameroon)

The speech touts the success of Cameroon’s security forces in combating terrorism and insurgency, particularly in the Far-North and South-West and North-West regions. However, this portrayal contrasts sharply with the persistent instability in these areas. The ongoing conflict in the Anglophone regions (North-West and South-West) remains unresolved, and human rights organizations have reported frequent abuses by government forces. While the government claims progress, the conflict continues to displace hundreds of thousands of people, with civilian casualties remaining high. Thus, the portrayal of a “stable” Cameroon, despite the violent conflict, is misleading.The speech emphasizes Cameroon’s economic resilience in the face of global challenges, including conflicts and inflation. It highlights projected growth rates and claims success in industrial projects like the Kribi Port Authority’s industrial area and mining ventures. However, these claims overlook the real economic struggles faced by ordinary Cameroonians, such as high unemployment rates, widespread poverty, and inequality. While the country's GDP growth may appear positive on paper, it does not necessarily reflect the broader population's well-being. Economic challenges like limited access to capital, high debt levels, and a lack of infrastructure to support real development persist, undermining the claims of economic transformation.The president mentions significant progress in sectors such as electricity, water supply, and healthcare. Yet, access to basic services remains highly unequal across the country, particularly in rural areas. Despite efforts to improve electricity and water supply, many citizens face rolling blackouts and inconsistent access to water. The government’s focus on large infrastructure projects, such as the Lom Pangar dam and solar power plants, does not adequately address the urgent needs of millions living in poverty. Moreover, the health and education systems, while receiving mentions of improvement, still suffer from underfunding, overcrowded facilities, and a shortage of skilled personnel, particularly outside major urban centers.The speech briefly touches on governance and the fight against corruption, yet Cameroon continues to rank among the most corrupt countries globally, with a weak rule of law and widespread impunity. Despite the president’s assurances of cracking down on corruption, little visible progress has been made in holding powerful figures accountable. Organizations like Transparency International consistently report on the lack of accountability and the misuse of public funds, with corruption permeating both the public and private sectors.While the speech acknowledges frustration over the state of roads, it highlights efforts to rehabilitate and expand them. However, Cameroon’s road infrastructure remains in dire condition, plagued by inadequate funding and poor maintenance. Although the government points to the construction of new roads, these projects are slow to materialize, leaving many roads—especially in rural areas—impassable. The challenges posed by rain and funding are real, but the slow pace of progress in road rehabilitation contradicts the claims of improvement.The president repeatedly stresses national unity, especially in the face of separatist movements in the Anglophone regions. While national unity is a central theme, the government's heavy-handed approach to dealing with dissent—including accusations of human rights violations and the suppression of political opposition—undermines genuine unity. The claim that separatist movements are “doomed to failure” dismisses the legitimate grievances of a significant portion of the population in these regions, exacerbating divisions rather than fostering reconciliation.

The speech presents an idealized version of Cameroon, focusing on the government’s achievements while downplaying or ignoring the ongoing challenges and systemic issues affecting the country. The reality on the ground regarding security, economic inequality, governance, and infrastructure often contradicts the claims made by the president. Thus, the speech appears more like a political narrative designed to project stability and progress rather than an accurate reflection of the nation's struggles.