Senator Mbella Moki Charles has once again delivered a blistering critique of the government’s failure to address the critical needs of ordinary Cameroonians.
He was speaking at the Senate’s closing ceremony in Yaoundé on Wednesday, December 11. The outspoken legislator of the ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM) denounced the state of the nation’s road network as emblematic of the government’s neglect of its people.
Unrelenting Despite Interruptions
Despite attempts by the presiding president, Abdoulaye Aboubakari, to curtail his speech, Senator Mbella Moki stood firm, reaffirming his reputation as a fearless and unapologetic advocate for his constituents.
“Every day, Cameroonians are dying because of bad roads,” he declared.
“For how long are we going to cry as people? How can it be that our economic capital is not properly connected to the national capital?” he said, adding. “What image are we giving to the world?”
The Senator further painted a grim picture of the state of infrastructure in the South West Region, his home turf. He lamented the lack of proper road connectivity between its six divisions and their regional headquarter, Buea.
“The regional headquarters itself is not linked to the economic capital,” he pointed out.
“We cannot keep pretending here. We must call a spade a spade.”
Senator Mbella Moki further connected the issue of underdevelopment to the unrest in English-speaking regions, asserting that neglect and infrastructural deficiencies were fueling grievances and instability.
“If you want to condemn the people of Lebialem and say they subscribe to Ambazonian tendencies, it is simple. The bottom line is underdevelopment. There are no roads,” he stated bluntly.
This is not the first time the Senator has criticized the government’s approach. In 2019, he spoke against a bill on the promotion of official languages, warning that it could alienate moderate voices and heighten tensions.
He has also condemned administrative authorities for land-grabbing in Fako Division, describing it as a “war against our people.”
Echoes of Police Boss’ Denunciation
His recent remarks echo those of Martin Mbarga Nguele, the Delegate General for National Security, who, in October 2024, decried the abysmal state of Cameroonian roads.
Reflecting on his arduous journey from Yaoundé to Mutengene, Mbarga Nguele labeled it a “cavalry” and questioned the government’s commitment to national development.
“Every government project begins with roads, yet our road networks remain a national embarrassment,” he stated.
The Minister of Public Works, Emmanuel Nganou Djoumessi, defended the situation by attributing the state of disrepair to budgetary constraints. He asserted that plans for road rehabilitation exist, but they have not yet disbursed funds.
Senator Mbella Moki’s powerful speech is a call to action for a government whose inaction continues to compromise the development and well-being of its citizens.
His persistent advocacy underscores the urgent need for accountability, investment in infrastructure, and the fulfilment of promises to the people.
As elections loom, the Senator’s words resonate as both a warning and a rallying cry for change.
The government must now take on the challenge and fulfil its mandate.
