2023 was bleak, 2024 remains uncertain – Cameroonians tell MMI

As days narrow to hours until the end of 2023, many Cameroonians have been taking stock of what the past twelve months have brought them. Some have described the year as bleak and unfruitful.

“2023 was a bad year for me. I am a farmer, and since my crops did not do well, my yearly income was greatly affected,” Winifred (name changed for security reasons), a resident in Bamenda, North West Region of Cameroon, told MMI.

Winifred’s experience as a farmer would have been different if President Biya of Cameroon had kept the promise he made seven years ago, on February 11, 2016. President Biya urged Cameroon’s youth to embrace agriculture as a “sure thing” with entrepreneurial opportunities.

“The development of our agriculture will be a key feature of this plan. I urge you to operate a real mental shift on this matter. Working the land is a sure thing. Do not be afraid to take that step; be the agricultural entrepreneur Cameroon needs. It is a noble and income-generating business in what should clearly be defined as a real economy,” President Biya said.

Today, young farmers face a different reality – persistent challenges and unfulfilled promises. Despite government plans for agricultural reform and infrastructure improvement, farmers remain bogged down by a lack of land, financing, and market access. The promised boom has yet to materialise, leaving many disillusioned and abandoning the sector.

Worsening Anglophone Crisis

For the past seven years, a bloody quest for independence, violence, school boycotts, and terror have rocked Cameroon’s English-speaking regions.

“Cameroon used to be a very beautiful country with peaceful and welcoming citizens, but for unknown reasons, it has become hostile, particularly in the North West and South West Regions where there has been a conflict,” said Nse Paul in Douala a few hours into 2024.

Paul is not the only one who spoke to MMI about the devastating effects of the Anglophone crisis. “The armed conflict in the northwest and southwest regions has claimed numerous lives, leading to a mass youth exodus, particularly to the USA and Dubai, driven by both the conflict and economic hardships,” a Buea resident told MMI anonymously.

In May 2023, the Cameroon Anglophone Crisis Database of Atrocities released a chilling report exposing human rights abuses by both security forces and separatists against civilians from September 2022 to May 2023. The report detailed at least eight atrocities, including arbitrary arrests, torture, property destruction, and attacks on civilians – committed by both Cameroonian security forces and Ambazonia separatists.

In a November 2023 report, the Global Centre for Responsibility to Protect said at least 6.000 people have died as a result of the anglophone crisis. Opposition leaders like Kah Walla and Prof. Maurice Kamto think the figures are more than what is officially documented.

Despite having what it takes to address the conflict, President Biya does not appear genuinely interested in doing so. Instead, ministers under his government, like Paul Atanga Nji, have said, “The crisis has ended, and the people and the devil have abandoned terrorists” (referring to separatist fighters).

But lives continue to perish; “in 2023, we buried a lot of people, and so we will wish that the conflict has a more sustainable solution that will permit someone like me to be able to farm and sell my produce without bad roads holding them hostage or Amba boys (separatists) demanding huge sums from us,” Winifred said.

As the year comes to an end, many Cameroonians in Douala, Yaounde, Buea, Bamenda, Limbe, and Bafoussam have been reflecting on the state of Cameroonian roads, which led to deadly accidents.

“As a technician, I will say 2023 was a bad one for Cameroon given that too many buildings collapsed and the poor roads claimed too many lives,” a Bamenda resident who preferred to be called Bertrand told MMI.

“Works will immediately begin from the Up Station, Bamenda, and the result is expected to be by June 15,” Minister of Public Works, Emmanuel Nganou Djoumessi had assured in 2019. This was the umpteenth time he made a similar promise regarding the project that has the World Bank as a partner and sponsor. But the road project has never been completed, and it remains a nightmare for users.

Biya’s 2023 speech—so what?

Cameroonians who spoke to MMI say they are preparing to listen to another “lie” and “empty promises” from President Paul Biya on December 31^st, 2023.

While addressing Cameroonians on December 31^st, 2022, Mr. Biya said, “Access to safe drinking water for our population is one of my main concerns. The completion of the Project to Supply Drinking Water to the City of Yaounde and its environs from the River Sanaga will provide a lasting solution to the city’s water supply shortages.”

“I have also instructed the government to urgently finalise procedures for the launch, in 2023, of the mega-project to supply drinking water to the City of Douala and its environs.”

“Besides our large cities, production facilities were constructed in some towns, namely   Bamenda, Bertoua, Ngaoundere, and Ebolowa. These facilities will be constructed in other urban and rural localities in the coming year.”

But none of these have seen the light of day. Instead, the year is ending when several cities wallow in darkness amid limited access to potable water.

Hope amid despair!

But some Cameroonians are still hopeful. Here are their expectations:

“In 2024, I wish that the government intensifies follow-up on projects to ensure that study guidelines match those during implementation.”

“While anticipating President Biya’s address on December 31, I hope for comprehensive solutions to the challenges outlined. It’s essential to address the armed conflict in the northwest and southwest regions, fostering peace and stability by putting a definitive end to the conflict. Against all odds, give anglophones autonomy. Initiatives to mitigate the youth exodus and economic hardships, possibly through job creation and economic reforms, are crucial. announce policies that will give youth a sense of belonging. Preparing the future of the youths by announcing a step down from politics after more than 50 years of political leadership. Addressing the record inflation levels demands prudent economic policies, along with measures to tackle cash and fuel scarcity. A concerted effort to combat social media bullying and promote international relations would contribute to improving the country’s image. Furthermore, focusing on infrastructure development to reduce accidents and constructing residences in risky zones to avoid natural disasters, coupled with effective governance, could enhance overall well-being. The expectations center on decisive actions that demonstrate a commitment to the welfare and progress of the nation.”

“I expect him to address the grievances of teachers, especially the payment of their allowances, including the “special status.”. Address insecurity within the nation in the NW, SW, North, Extreme North, and East, not forgetting the Littoral and Center regions. I will also want to see justice for all who have misappropriated public funds meant for the development of the country.”

Will President Biya be able to address these issues and deliver in 2024 after forty years in power? Only time will tell.

Kate Bih, Washira Helene and Tata Mbunwe contributed to this article.

Mimi Mefo Info