Former Minister Resigns to Challenge Paul Biya Amid Calls for Change in Cameroon

Issa Tchiroma Bakary has resigned from his position in Cameroon's government, aiming to challenge President Paul Biya, who has been in power for over 40 years. Bakary's departure highlights growing discontent over economic issues and the need for political reform. He proposes federalism as a solution to persistent challenges facing English-speaking regions, while the government tightens control over political activities.

Issa Tchiroma Bakary, a notable figure in Cameroon's political landscape and former communications minister, has announced his resignation from the government of President Paul Biya, now 92 years old. With elections looming just four months away, Bakary's departure reflects a significant shift in political alliances and growing calls for change within the Central African nation.

Bakary's decision to leave follows years of service under Biya and stems from a belief that the current administration has "broken" the social contract with its citizens. In a statement delivered on Wednesday, he asserted, "A country cannot exist in the service of one man," signaling his intention to join a rival political party and challenge Biya's longstanding rule.

During his nearly two-decade tenure, Bakary has faced scrutiny, especially for his earlier denial of allegations that Cameroonian soldiers were involved in the deaths of civilians, as depicted in a controversial video. His resignation has been partly attributed to a series of public criticisms regarding Biya’s presidency and its failure to address issues such as high unemployment and rampant corruption, particularly in the English-speaking regions that have suffered from ongoing violence and instability.

In a manifesto published after stepping down, Bakary criticized the "old system" of governance, pledging to rejuvenate the country’s political framework. One of his central proposals is to explore federalism through a referendum, aiming to grant more powers to the country's ten provinces. This idea resonates with many advocates seeking a resolution to the Anglophone crisis that has plagued Cameroon for years.

Bakary has directly addressed the grievances of English-speaking Cameroonians, urging them to demand to be heard rather than relying on representatives to voice their concerns. He denounced centralization as a failure and called for a departure from a governance model that has "stifled progress" and eroded trust between the government and the populace.

As Bakary pivots toward his presidential campaign, he faces a complicated political landscape marred by government suppression of dissent. Reports have surfaced indicating that the Biya administration has imposed a ban on political activities of Bakary's Cameroon National Salvation Front (CNSF) party in certain regions, exemplifying the challenges opposition candidates face.

Despite these hurdles, reactions to Bakary's candidacy vary, with some analysts viewing his break from Biya as a strategic move that positions him as a statesman aware of the political flames rising in the nation. Conversely, skepticism persists among some opposition figures who question his ability to represent genuine change, citing his extensive affiliation with the current regime.

As the presidential election draws near, Bakary's path remains fraught with challenges, making the political climate in Cameroon increasingly uncertain.