Sources close to the Cameroonian presidential palace suggest maneuvers are underway to modify the country's constitution, sparking heated controversies. At the heart of the debate is the legitimacy of such an undertaking, carried out without direct popular consultation, which calls into question the very foundation of the power in place.
The rumor of a constitutional review is agitating the capital, Yaoundé. Traditionally, such a revision would require broad consensus or a referendum. However, it appears that certain actors, motivated by personal interests, are seeking to bypass the National Assembly and public debate to impose their vision. This approach raises questions about the nature of the regime and its respect for democratic principles.
This controversy takes on a particular dimension in the context of the contested results of the October 2025 presidential election. Information suggests that Issa Tchiroma Bakary was the real winner of the election. If this proves to be the case, the current administration, already weakened by a lack of electoral legitimacy, would be deprived of all moral and legal authority to undertake a constitutional review.
For some observers, this initiative is akin to a political survival strategy. By changing the rules of the game, the ruling power would seek to consolidate its position, anticipating a possible shift. Such an approach is often observed in authoritarian regimes, where the constitution is used as a tool to maintain the status quo rather than to reflect the popular will.
The consequences of such a constitutional review could be considerable. In the short term, it risks paralyzing the economy and deterring foreign investors, already concerned about the stability of institutions. In the long term, national unity could be compromised if the constitution is perceived as a tool for confiscating power. Cameroon is then exposed to major social unrest if the truth about the presidential election remains stifled.
The question remains: is this forced constitutional review the last bastion of an illegitimate power, or the prelude to a democratic revival where popular sovereignty will finally be respected?
