Cameroonians in their greatest majority have turned the page on Presidential elections, reassured of a far better Cameroon as per the President, Paul Biya’s persistent beaconing on all to join hands; build.
L’ Action: I dare say you have been a major catalyst in bringing about the huge success recorded by the CPDM in the Ngoketunjia division, and which bolstered up overall success in the Northwest region during the just ended Presidential election. What does that mean to you.
Hon. Njingum Musa: It means everything good because Cameroon is serine under the leadership of President Paul Biya we campaigned for. Our satisfaction is that we stood for truth and truth prevailed. Cameroonians are now looking towards healthier pursuits, with hope and optimism.
Regional elections were launched in Ngoketunjia on 15 November like elsewhere in Cameroon, in your opinion; how different are the regionals from the just ended Presidential election and what should Cameroonians expect in the next five coming years
A great difference. First, the emotional rollercoaster of the regional elections will be nothing like that of a presidential election: the voting system, the number of candidates, the stakes—everything sets the two elections apart.
As to what Cameroonians should expect, in my opinion the president-elect was elaborate enough in defining his vision for Cameroon in these seven years. He spoke of reforms that will enable a more efficient functioning of the State, through an adaptation of our institutions to the demands of our environment. Many Cameroonians readily acknowledge that among the problems undermining the proper functioning of institutions are the excessive top-down approach and the very high concentration of power at the central level. Greater « horizontal » governance—that is, greater balance and power-sharing—would go a long way to assuage such concerns.
Come November 30, Cameroon will hold its second regional elections since the promulgation of the constitution of January 19, 1996. 2020-2025: Would you say the regional councils and their first executives lived up to expectations; and that they meet the strong and legitimate hopes of Cameroonians?
In just five years of existence, it is rather premature to make an objective assessment of the functioning of an institution. Indeed, the path of a decentralized unitary state is the one chosen by Cameroon as its model for the organization, functioning, and management of the Republic. Decentralization therefore appears as an indispensable lever, an essential instrument for the equitable development of the country. However, it is essential that the actions, decisions, and initiatives undertaken in this direction be carried out in a spirit of sincerity, without calculation or ulterior motives. That way we can begin to draw closer, in a progressive and steady manner towards our overall expected goal as a people.
Finally, what Cameroon do you see with this second regional election coming up on November 30, 2025.
I see Cameroon is stayed united and truly decentralized. The CPDM and Paul Biya have an even greater obligation to commit to this irreversible course of action, and the time is now.
Interview: Irene Aweneg
