Cameroon

Cameroon’s President Returns to Lavish Welcome While Citizens Suffer

After more than a month out of the public eye, Cameroon’s President Paul Biya returned to the nation on Monday. The Cameroon Radio and Television (CRTV) broadcast this highly publicised event live, and die-hard supporters of the Cameroon Peoples Democratic Movement (CPDM) hailed his return as “high profile.” The spectacle involved a carefully orchestrated welcome in Yaoundé, with many mobilised to celebrate the president’s arrival.

A Lavish Welcome Amid Economic Struggles

The mobilisation of state resources for Biya’s return raises eyebrows in a country grappling with severe socio-economic challenges. Inflation is rampant, unemployment is soaring, and the healthcare system is in dire straits. Critics of the government argue that the attention and resources devoted to Biya’s return are a misallocation of taxpayer funds. These funds, they argue, could be better spent addressing pressing issues facing the nation.

“I am shocked that the Cameroon president’s return after a long time abroad is causing CRTV to waste our hard-earned money,” remarked one concerned citizen.

A Waste of Public Funds?

As 91-year-old Biya landed in Yaoundé, concerns mounted regarding the financial implications of such grand displays. Political observers note that extravagant presidential events consume millions of francs CFA, featuring heavy security and elaborate ceremonies.

“We are witnessing the wastage of public funds on pomp and circumstance while key sectors like education and health remain grossly underfunded,” a political observer lamented.

The prioritisation of showmanship over substantive governance raises significant questions about Biya’s leadership. With a regime that has been in power for over four decades, many Cameroonians are calling for accountability and a shift in focus to the country’s myriad challenges.

Supporters Dismiss Criticism

In contrast, President Biya’s supporters, like Feu Jonathan, have defended the president’s actions, arguing that his leadership continues to provide much-needed stability in a region that frequently experiences political unrest. They dismiss criticisms of his lavish return as politically motivated attempts to undermine his government.

Nonetheless, the celebratory events stand in stark contrast to widespread economic hardship, highlighting the disconnect between the government and the people it serves.

Mimi Mefo Info

Kate Bih

Recent Posts

Cameroonians Among 11 Arrested in Nairobi Over Multi-Million Gold Scam

Detectives in Nairobi have arrested 11 suspects, including two Cameroonian nationals. They were arrested in…

1 hour ago

In Pictures – Labour Day 2025 Celebrated with Colour and Call for Rights in Bamenda

The 139th edition of International Labour Day was marked in Bamenda with a vibrant display…

2 hours ago

Traoré Thanks Supporters as Mass Rallies Reject Foreign Interference

Burkina Faso’s president, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, has expressed his gratitude to supporters around the world…

3 hours ago

Fako Trade Unions Decry Non-payment of Salaries at Labour Day Celebration

Some trade unions in Fako Division, South West Region, are urging for better working conditions…

6 hours ago

Bokwaongo Royal Family Rejects Njie Mbonde’s Designation as Chief

By Tata Mbunwe The designation of journalist Albert Njie Mbonde as Chief of Bokwaongo village…

7 hours ago

Menka Village Responds to Separatist Attacks: Kidnapping and Recovery of Stolen Equipment

Youths in Menka, a village in the Pinyin area of Cameroon’s North West Region, have…

8 hours ago