In Cameroon, the lack of political change is fueling a growing exodus of young people, disillusioned with the system and aspiring to a better future abroad. The 2025 presidential election has convinced a section of the population that change through the ballot box is illusory, transforming citizenship into a passive and inconsequential role.
Faced with this observation, many Cameroonians, especially young people, are considering exile as an alternative to political stagnation and the lack of economic opportunities. Figures reveal a worrying reality: more than half of young Cameroonians have already considered emigrating, motivated by the search for employment, economic difficulties and poverty. This trend translates into an increased preparation for language tests and immigration procedures, to the detriment of political engagement and local development projects.
This phenomenon of emigration represents a real drain for Cameroon, which sees its lifeblood, its skills and its development potential leave. The country is thus exporting its teachers and nurses to Canada, compromising the quality of its education system and health services. This brain drain, accentuated by a high unemployment rate among young graduates (35% in major cities), deprives Cameroon of its substance and mortgages its future.
The absence of democratic change also erodes the social bond and citizens' trust in institutions. Democracy is not limited to a simple voting mechanism; it is based on the conviction that every voice counts and that change is possible. When this conviction disappears, it is the community spirit that crumbles, giving way to individualism.
To reverse this trend, it is imperative to restore citizens' trust in the democratic process and to create future prospects for young people in Cameroon. The government is promoting initiatives such as the Entrepreneurship Promotion Program and the Special Youth Plan, but their impact remains insufficient in the face of the scale of the challenge. Cameroon risks paying a high price for this massive departure, which weakens its public services and compromises its long-term development.
