The recent statement by Issa Tchiroma Bakary, former Minister of Communication, in which he claims to have left Cameroon for fear of dying, continues to provoke strong reactions. Journalist Serge Nkepseu believes that this statement considerably undermines the work of civic awakening carried out over the past fifteen years, at a time when a dynamic of mobilization finally seemed to be taking shape.
Issa Tchiroma Bakary, a political figure who held important ministerial positions under Paul Biya's regime before joining the opposition, publicly stated that he fled Cameroon for fear of his life. These words have had a considerable impact on the Cameroonian political scene. According to Serge Nkepseu, this declaration has set back the political struggle by at least fifteen years.
Nkepseu points out that between 2012 and 2018, parties such as Maurice Kamto's MRC, and personalities such as Cabral Libii, made significant efforts to awaken Cameroonian youth to politics, an awakening that manifested itself during the 2018 presidential election. He recalls that before the 2010s, few young people were interested in politics, absorbed by soccer, beer and entertainment.
Nkepseu's criticism is all the more severe because it highlights the contrast between Tchiroma's career and the efforts made by other political actors. While the MRC was striving to demystify fear and educate citizens, Tchiroma was at the heart of power, supporting Paul Biya's action.
The journalist fears that Tchiroma's statement will wipe out part of this legacy. He wonders about the courage that parents will now have to let their children demonstrate, and about the audacity of young people to protest without fearing for their lives.
Serge Nkepseu paints a pessimistic picture, estimating that it will be necessary to start from scratch to convince, re-educate and mobilize. He notes that Tchiroma seems to be waiting for Cameroonians to come and get him to install him in power, an attitude that raises questions about his commitment to this work of political awakening.
The question of who will take over this work of political awakening remains open, a crucial question for the future of the citizen dynamic in Cameroon. Issa Tchiroma Bakary, after being a pillar of Paul Biya's regime for many years, has positioned himself as an opposition player, adding further complexity to the Cameroonian political landscape.
