Criticisms following Far North Governor’s support to flood victims on behalf of Biya

The actions of President Biya have come under scrutiny from Cameroonians, who are questioning his understanding of his role. Many argue that his behaviour resembles that of a humanitarian, who comes to assist Cameroonians in times of distress, rather than that of a President who should be solving the country’s problems.

“He acts as if he is a humanitarian or NGO that comes to deal with the aftermath of a disaster, by providing relief. For heaven’s sake, he is the president of this country and needs to provide long-lasting solutions to problems,” a Political Analyst, Jerome Mbih, told MMI.

These criticisms arose after some flood victims in Logone and Chari, in the Far North region of Cameroon, received material support from Cameroon’s Presidential couple, Paul and Chantal Biya.

The gifts were handed over by a delegation led by the Far North Governor, Midjiyawa Bakari

The material support was evenly distributed to the populations of Zina, Goulfey, Blangoua, and Kousseri.

These donations consist of foodstuffs, bedding, kitchen utensils, seeds, agricultural inputs, and pharmaceutical products, among others.

In addition, school and health infrastructure have been rehabilitated, and boreholes and classrooms have been built.

“These are things that should have been done a long time ago, not waiting for there to be a disaster before they come in as if they are the people’s messiahs. We need leaders who are proactive in solving problems, not people sticking plasters on the wounds of the people,” Mbih went on.

This is a concerning trend in Cameroon, where administrators and politicians often adopt a role that resembles benefactors rather than public servants, seemingly neglecting their constitutional obligations towards the people.