Cameroon’s silent descent into chaos

The Cameroonian filmmaker Jean-Pierre Bekolo has issued a stark warning about the nation’s future. In a recent op-ed, he argues that Cameroon is already experiencing the early stages of chaos following President Paul Biya’s prolonged absence from public life. The absence of a unifying figure has exposed deep fractures within the state’s institutions.

According to Bekolo, the signs are unmistakable. Political debates now unfold primarily through social media campaigns, media narratives, and behind-the-scenes power struggles. The various factions that once operated in the shadows are now openly clashing. The filmmaker warns that this could escalate into more violent confrontations if no decisive action is taken.

The erosion of legitimacy

The Cameroonian public has grown increasingly skeptical of the current leadership. High-ranking officials, despite occupying key positions, struggle to command respect. Public trust has eroded as questions mount over the management of national resources, corporate influence in government decisions, and the integrity of state institutions.

One striking example is the controversy surrounding the country’s gold reserves. A recent statement by the Minister of Mines suggested that the gold under discussion was not state-owned, raising concerns about the privatization of national wealth. Citizens are questioning whether the country’s resources are being diverted to serve private interests rather than the public good.

The credibility of the Constitutional Council has also been called into question. Many Cameroonians view its decisions as politically motivated, particularly in cases where rulings appear to favor the status quo. The institution’s moral authority has been significantly weakened as a result.

A system on the brink

Other troubling developments include the prolonged tenures of certain board chairs and CEOs without clear justifications, the creation of new vice-presidential roles through controversial constitutional amendments, and the increasing reliance on proxy decision-making. These issues collectively paint a picture of a system struggling to function without its long-standing leader.

Bekolo argues that the absence of President Biya has left a void that no current figure can fill. The Cameroonian people, he suggests, have become disillusioned with a system that no longer inspires confidence. Without a unifying authority, rival factions may soon abandon behind-the-scenes maneuvering for open confrontation.

The filmmaker warns that the country is heading toward a political crisis unless urgent steps are taken. The existing institutions, already weakened, will struggle to mediate disputes or enforce order. The risk of violent conflicts, including targeted assassinations, cannot be ruled out.

Time for a responsible transition

Bekolo advocates for a peaceful transition led by a provisional government tasked with restoring national trust, reforming institutions, and organizing credible elections. He emphasizes that the current leadership’s attempts to prolong its grip on power risk plunging the country into deeper instability.

The filmmaker calls on those who have held power for decades to recognize the futility of clinging to office. Their final service to Cameroon, he argues, should be to facilitate a transition that safeguards the nation’s future rather than preserving a crumbling system.

Any attempt to delay the inevitable—whether through secret negotiations, shadowy deals, or unconstitutional maneuvers—will only accelerate the country’s descent into chaos. The consequences, Bekolo warns, will be borne not just by the current generation but by the entire nation.

Cameroon stands at a crossroads. The choices made today will determine whether it descends into further turmoil or finds a path toward renewal.