In his capacity as Universal Mediator and Chair of the Independent Commission Against Corruption and Discrimination (COMICODI), Professor Shanda Tonme delivers a stark assessment of Cameroon’s political landscape: ‘There are no villages, tribes, clans, or personal relationships in this equation. Only Cameroon exists, and only Cameroon will exist for eternity.’

Cameroon faces an existential crisis that threatens the very foundations of the nation, the State, and the Republic.

No citizen, regardless of status, can claim immunity from accountability. The government, vice-presidential office, and all other institutions must undergo a thorough cleansing—even partial—to address the deep-rooted corruption that has festered for decades. The demands for change are not only urgent but non-negotiable.

The critical question now is whether we will settle for superficial reforms with recycled actors chosen through questionable influence networks, or strive for strong, pragmatic institutions led by individuals of unquestionable integrity, nationalism, and patriotism.

President Paul Biya, now in his eighth decade of leadership, presides over a nation grappling with unprecedented challenges. While he cannot be solely blamed for the country’s woes, his tenure has been marked by remarkable resilience in the face of betrayals and misconduct by close collaborators. This is not merely about missing public funds—it is about the entire fabric of governance.

Addressing Cameroon’s problems requires more than a simple reshuffle of actors or a leap into the unknown. The political elite’s complexity demands patience, strategic thinking, and long-term vision. President Biya’s approach, characterized by measured patience, appears to be the only viable path forward in such a volatile environment.

Have we fully grasped the magnitude of the challenges ahead? The scale of corruption and the urgency for appropriate tools to address it are staggering. Consider the case of a newly appointed board chair requesting over 100 million FCFA to renovate a personal residence. The stakes could not be higher, and the president’s deliberation is not without reason.

How can one navigate this treacherous political landscape without falling prey to its pitfalls? Time has already exposed the traitors—both overt and covert—who have thrived in this environment of toxic influence and corrupt networks. There will be no untouchables, no immortals, and no protection for those who have exploited their positions for personal gain at the nation’s expense.

Let the president reflect on his frustrations, manage his disappointments, and regain his composure. We are not dealing with a trivial matter but with the sensitive and complex destiny of a nation—and the future of generations to come.

‘There are no villages, tribes, clans, or personal relationships in this equation. Only Cameroon exists, and only Cameroon will exist for eternity.’ This is not a call for urgency but a recognition that national destiny cannot be rushed. True progress demands patience, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to the greater good—even when the path is arduous and the rewards delayed.

This existential challenge confronts not just the nation but the Republic and the State itself. Only time will reveal who ultimately prevails in this struggle for Cameroon’s soul.