Former Minister Breaks from Biya's Regime, Eyes Presidential Bid

In a significant political shift, Issa Tchiroma Bakary has exited his position within Cameroon's government, criticizing President Paul Biya's nearly 40-year leadership as detrimental. With upcoming elections on the horizon, Bakary seeks to present an alternative vision through federalism, though reactions to his candidacy reveal a divided political landscape.

Issa Tchiroma Bakary, a veteran minister and ally of Cameroon’s long-serving President Paul Biya, has officially resigned from his government post, signaling a desire to contest the presidency amidst widespread public disillusionment. The 92-year-old Biya has been in power for four decades, and as the nation gears up for elections in just four months, Bakary endeavors to challenge the status quo.

Criticizing the government he was part of as "broken," Bakary announced his shift to the opposition by joining the Cameroon National Salvation Front (CNSF). "A country cannot exist in the service of one man," he declared, emphasizing the need for change. This shift follows a series of controversies linked to his past role as communications minister, where he faced backlash over comments regarding civilian casualties linked to the military.

While Biya has not confirmed his candidacy for a seventh term, the political climate in Cameroon continues to deteriorate, characterized by high unemployment, rising costs of living, and ongoing security threats from separatist groups and jihadists. Bakary's recent remarks in Garoua highlighted his increasingly fractious relationship with Biya, asserting that the president’s long tenure has yielded no tangible benefits to the populace.

His resignation was accompanied by a 24-page manifesto outlining a commitment to dismantle the existing political framework, proposing federalism as a viable solution to the ongoing Anglophone crisis. In a direct appeal to the English-speaking communities, he stated, "You do not need people to speak for you - you need to be listened to," criticizing the failures of centralization.

As Bakary positions himself as a revitalizing force in Cameroonian politics, he faces challenges, including government-imposed restrictions on his party’s activities in several areas. Mixed reactions emerge from observers; some view Bakary's defection as a strategic move to capitalize on the public's yearning for change, while detractors question whether his longstanding ties to Biya compromise his ability to lead.

Political opposition remains skeptical of Bakary's potential as a reformer, with some calling him "tainted" by his previous role in Biya's administration. As Cameroonians prepare for the upcoming election, rights organizations continue to decry governmental suppression of dissent, signaling that the road ahead will be fraught with contention.