Bekolo’s stark warning: Cameroon’s institutions crumble without Biya’s symbolic authority

In a recent op-ed, filmmaker Jean-Pierre Bekolo paints a grim picture of Cameroon’s future should President Paul Biya step down. He contends that the country is already experiencing a permanent state of upheaval, with power struggles unfolding through media, social platforms, and behind-the-scenes influence.

The director argues that Biya’s presence, despite his advanced age and prolonged absence from public life, remains the only force capable of maintaining symbolic authority in Cameroon. His departure, Bekolo warns, would trigger an irreversible collapse of public trust in state institutions.

‘The chaos of a Cameroon without Paul Biya is already here,’ Bekolo declares, pointing to a series of institutional failures that have eroded confidence in governance. From contested political appointments to allegations of corruption among top officials, the signs of systemic decay are undeniable.

Institutional collapse: a nation questioning its leaders

The public’s skepticism is growing daily. High-ranking officials, despite occupying prestigious positions, increasingly lack respect or credibility. Questions swirl around the role of presidential entourages in state resource mismanagement, with many suspecting that wealth is being diverted from national coffers to private interests.

One glaring example is the Mines Minister’s controversial statement dismissing national gold reserves as non-existent—a claim widely interpreted as an admission that Cameroon’s mineral wealth is being exploited outside state control. Similarly, the Constitutional Council’s legitimacy has been severely undermined after being accused of validating what many perceive as a political fabrication, tolerated only because it served Biya’s interests.

Ministries, once pillars of governance, now appear invisible and ineffective, incapable of addressing citizens’ daily struggles while their leaders cling to perks of office. State-owned enterprises, too, suffer from prolonged leadership vacuums, with directors general maintaining positions far beyond their mandates, no one daring to challenge their tenure.

The coming storm: why Cameroon cannot afford a power vacuum

Bekolo’s analysis reveals a nation in distress. The creation of a vice-presidency—following a constitutional amendment passed by deputies whose terms had long expired—has only deepened suspicions. The proliferation of delegated powers further blurs the line between presidential decisions and those of his inner circle, fueling perceptions of a shadow government operating above the law.

Each of these incidents, when examined in isolation, might seem insignificant. But together, they expose a systemic failure: Cameroon’s institutions cannot function without Biya’s unifying authority.

Without him, the delicate balance of power that has kept rival factions in check will shatter. What were once behind-the-scenes rivalries will erupt into open conflict. Those who believe they can inherit the system through decree or backroom deals will discover too late that they are sitting on a powder keg.

Bekolo’s prescription: a responsible exit before disaster strikes

The filmmaker issues a sobering call to action. Cameroon’s leaders, he argues, must acknowledge the unsustainable state of governance and take historical responsibility by stepping aside.

‘Their final service to Cameroon is not to cling to power, but to organize the transition,’ Bekolo asserts. He advocates for a limited-term transitional government tasked with rebuilding trust, overhauling institutions, and establishing transparent electoral rules.

This, he insists, is the only path to avoid collapse. Any attempt to prolong the current system—through backroom deals, secretive meetings, or constitutional maneuvers—will only accelerate the chaos everyone fears.

‘All these schemes, born of desperation, will produce exactly the outcome we seek to prevent,’ he warns. ‘The chaos.’