Did Paul Biya’s Speech Mark a Turning Point for Ministerial Accountability?
In his annual end-of-year address on December 31, 2024, President Paul Biya pulled no punches, questioning the performance of several key government members. But what do these criticisms mean for the ministers in question and for the future direction of Cameroon’s governance?
What’s Behind the Criticism of Infrastructure Ministers?
First on the firing line was Emmanuel Nganou Djoumessi, the Minister of Public Works, who has faced growing scrutiny over the state of Cameroon’s roads. Biya acknowledged the government’s efforts but painted a grim picture, stating that the country’s roads do not reflect the scale of the state’s investments. Could it be that financial constraints and poor governance are hampering real progress, as Biya suggests? Or is there a deeper issue at play? The president announced plans to reform the Road Fund, but can this move truly resolve the long-standing infrastructure problems in Cameroon?
Is There a Crisis in Property Governance?
Biya also sharply critiqued Henri Eyebe Ayissi, the Minister of Lands, Surveys, and State Property, for governance failures in the land management domain. The president’s remarks on protecting land ownership hinted at widespread issues, with Biya emphasizing that “derives” (or abuses) in land management were putting citizens’ property at risk. His promise of firm sanctions against violators may signal a coming crackdown on corruption in this area. But what will it take to ensure secure property rights truly, and how will the government navigate the land governance challenges?
Could Disasters Have Been Prevented?
Another area of focus was disaster management, under the purview of Minister of Territorial Administration Paul Atanga Nji. Biya reflected on the year’s tragic events, including fatal road accidents and collapses of buildings that violated construction norms. Could more effective oversight and stricter enforcement have prevented these avoidable deaths? The president also lamented the loss of life from natural disasters, such as the landslide in Dschang and floods in the Far North. With the growing threat of climate change, is Cameroon prepared to mitigate these risks, or are these disasters the result of systemic neglect?
What Does This Mean for 2025?
Biya’s speech didn’t just reflect on past failures; it laid out a roadmap for 2025. His directives to address these concerns are clear: stronger governance, a more efficient Road Fund, and better disaster prevention measures. However, the real question remains: Will these reforms be enough to restore public confidence and deliver tangible improvements?
Looking ahead, President Biya’s remarks suggest a call for introspection and reform within his government. But are his ministers ready to take on the challenge? Or will they continue to struggle under the weight of systemic issues? One thing is certain: 2025 will be a year when actions speak louder than words.
