The renowned Cameroonian bassist and singer Richard Bona has ignited a national conversation by publicly denouncing what he describes as a deeply ingrained culture of corruption within Cameroon’s youth. Speaking in a recent interview, Bona expressed his frustration with a generation he believes has normalized unethical practices, relying on shortcuts rather than hard work to get ahead.
His remarks have sparked intense debate online, with many Cameroonians pushing back against his sweeping generalization. While some acknowledge systemic corruption exists, they argue that pinning the blame solely on the youth oversimplifies a complex issue that affects all generations.
Corruption’s grip on Cameroon
Recent surveys reveal a troubling reality for Cameroon, where corruption has seeped into nearly every aspect of public life. According to Afrobaromètre data released earlier this year, more than half of Cameroonians admit to paying bribes to avoid trouble with law enforcement. Nearly 50% have resorted to corruption to obtain essential identity documents, while 37% have paid off officials to access healthcare services. These figures paint a stark picture of a country struggling to combat graft.
The Cameroonian government’s own anti-corruption body, the National Anti-Corruption Commission (Conac), acknowledged in its 2024 report that billions of Central African francs continue to be embezzled from state coffers annually. The report underscores how deep-rooted corruption has become, with officials and citizens alike participating in a cycle that stifles progress.
Voices from the streets of Yaoundé
In the capital, Yaoundé, the sentiment is palpable. Residents describe a culture where corruption has become almost second nature, particularly among younger generations. One resident shared, “Young people know the police aren’t there for their safety—they’re there to extract a fee. It’s expected.”
Yet not everyone agrees with Bona’s assessment. Another local countered, “There are corrupt youths, but there are also many who are victims of a system that forces them into these situations.”
This perspective is echoed by a civil servant who requested anonymity. “Many young people don’t even recognize corruption as wrong anymore. They’ve grown up in it, and it’s all they know.”
Is the youth really to blame?
Legal expert and anti-corruption advocate Maître Akere Muna offers a nuanced view. He argues that while the youth are not the architects of Cameroon’s corruption, they are often its unwilling participants. “The system traps them. They have no choice but to adapt to survive.”
Muna, a former vice-president of Transparency International, highlights how decades of nepotism and favoritism have distorted societal values. “For forty years, Cameroon has operated on connections, not competence. Young people learn quickly—they see that hard work alone won’t get them anywhere.”
He stresses the need for education that reinforces the value of integrity and diligence. “If you’re lazy, you’ll go nowhere. If you work hard and stay honest, you’ll rise.”
A call to action
The Conac has urged both public and private sector workers, as well as citizens, to take a stand against corruption. The commission operates a dedicated hotline, 1517, for reporting corrupt practices anonymously. Despite the challenges, there is a growing recognition that change must begin with accountability at all levels.
As Cameroon grapples with its reputation—ranked 142nd out of 182 countries in Transparency International’s latest Corruption Perceptions Index—leaders and citizens alike face a critical question: Can a nation break free from corruption when it’s woven into the fabric of daily life?
