Rethinking Governance in Cameroon: The Limits of Western-Style Democracy

Ngembeni Wa Namaso

Cameroon, like many African nations, adopted a Western-style democratic system of governance, theoretically designed to ensure representation, accountability, and development. 

However, after decades of implementation, the country’s political structure has evolved in a way that calls into question whether this model truly serves its fundamental purpose.

At its core, democracy—particularly in its Western liberal form—seeks to empower citizens by granting them the right to choose their leaders, participate in governance, and hold those in power accountable. 

It is meant to foster inclusion, protect fundamental freedoms, and ensure that governance reflects the will and needs of the people. 

However, in Cameroon, the practical application of democracy has deviated significantly from these ideals.

 How we got here 

For over 40 years, Cameroon has been administered through a system of provinces—now called regions—ostensibly designed to promote governance by proximity. 

In theory, this should have facilitated greater local representation and decision-making power.

Instead, it has led to the emergence of an 11th constituency —an elite political class composed of individuals from all regions whose primary allegiance is not to their communities but to the central system embodied by the President. 

This structure has transformed governance into a mechanism of control rather than representation, where political survival depends on loyalty to the system rather than service to the people.

This governance model has created an atmosphere where dissent—whether intellectual, political, or civic—is systematically suppressed. 

Elected officials, rather than championing the interests of their constituents, are bound by unwritten rules that require them to first serve the system, then themselves. 

Those who refuse to comply are sidelined, marginalized, or labeled adversaries. 

Traditional authorities, the clergy, and other influential voices in society have also been deliberately co-opted, making it difficult for independent thought, or leadership to flourish, let alone, emerge.

The consequences of such political entrenchment and hold-up are dire. 

For instance, the unresolved Anglophone crisis continues to fester, northern regions continue to experience growing discontent, and xenophobic violence and tribal debates on the Media are on the rise permeating the consciousness of Cameroonians as never before seen. 

Yet, representatives from troubled areas—despite their mandate to serve their people—often remain silent, unable to advocate for justice without risking the privileges conferred upon them by the system. 

Today no one deserves or has earned anything honestly or with integrity. You must be seen to owe or pay allegiance for your success or position to the System else, you'll lose it. 

Integrity, respect, morality is under attack, and cannot belong to you, but to the system. 

In this environment, only some opposition parties and civil society dare to voice the frustrations of ordinary citizens, yet they do so under the constant threat of repression, military trials, and draconian laws against the omnipresent charges of insurrection, treason. 

 Where to, from here 

In such an atmosphere of fear, division, and institutionalized repression, can Cameroon ever truly achieve the goals of Western-style democracy? 

Even if elections are held and a new leader emerges, how can democracy thrive when the structures of governance prioritize allegiance over accountability, and control over representation?

With a population of 30 million people and over 200 ethnic groups—both within and outside the country—Cameroon is a nation of immense potential and diversity. 

However, potential and diversity alone is not enough to build a functional, progressive democracy.

 What is needed 

What is needed is a governance model that prioritizes genuine inclusion, local decision-making, and a rebalancing of power that shifts authority from a centralized elite to the people.

This does not necessarily mean rejecting democracy altogether, but rather rethinking it in a way that aligns with Cameroon’s realities. 

 Some hard questions 

Can a system of decentralized governance, with greater autonomy for regions, provide a solution? 

Can traditional African governance structures—grounded in consensus-building and community leadership—be integrated to foster a more inclusive political system? 

Can mechanisms of accountability be strengthened to ensure that elected representatives truly serve the people rather than the system?

Cameroon stands at a crossroads, even if we seem to struggle with bad roads... 

The choice is not just about who holds power but about how power is structured and exercised. 

If the current trajectory continues, the country risks further entrenchment of division, repression, and instability. 

However, if bold steps are taken to reimagine governance in a way that prioritizes people over the system, then a new, more inclusive political future is possible.

The big question is: 

will Cameroon seize this opportunity, or will it continue down a path where democracy exists in name but not in practice?

Ngembeni Wa Namaso is an Environmental Management Specialist and commentator on Society and Politics. He holds a PhD in Forest Policy and Economics He is based in Yaoundé, Cameroon