Cameroon Archbishop Advocates for Leadership Change Amidst Governance Crisis

Archbishop Samuel Kleda of Douala has urged Cameroon’s older leaders to resign in favor of a younger generation. He criticized the government’s poor governance, corruption, and neglect of public infrastructure, impacting the youth’s prospects. Kleda suggested that the current leadership’s decline hinders development and called for citizen engagement in the electoral process to effect change.

Archbishop Samuel Kleda of Douala has called for the retirement of Cameroon’s ageing political leaders, emphasizing the need for a younger generation to step into leadership roles. In an interview with RTVC, he condemned issues such as poor governance, electoral fraud, and the rampant corruption that have led to severe poverty among Cameroonians, despite the nation’s rich natural resources. He remarked that as leaders age, their physical and cognitive abilities decline, which hampers their effectiveness and potential for progressive governance. Archbishop Kleda’s comments seem pointedly directed at the country’s long-time president, Paul Biya, who is nearing 42 years in power.

The archbishop articulated that when leaders exhibit signs of frailty, they should voluntarily resign rather than cling to power, as their incapacity to govern drives stagnation in development and results in the emigration of skilled youth seeking better futures abroad. He illuminated that Cameroon possesses abundant resources, including fertile land and minerals, yet ineffective leadership has hindered the transformation of these resources into broad public benefit.

Infrastructure woes, particularly in transportation, were highlighted as significant impediments to economic growth, making even short journeys arduous and costly. The lack of investment in road improvements directly affects the livelihood of farmers and, by extension, the economy at large. Kleda lamented the growing economic inequalities, stating, “The purchasing power has continued to decline, and yet, those who hold public office in the country live in opulence.” This division indicates a society polarized between the prosperous and the impoverished, which undermines national stability.

As the election date approaches, Archbishop Kleda has urged the citizenry to participate actively by registering to vote, asserting that every single vote contributes to the possibility of significant change in Cameroon’s governance landscape.

The discourse on leadership effectiveness in Cameroon has gained traction in recent years, particularly as the nation approaches another presidential election in 2024. As President Paul Biya officially marks over four decades in power, concerns regarding his ability to govern due to age and health have risen among both the public and notable figures. The call for a generational leadership shift stems from widespread dissatisfaction with the current state of governance, characterized by allegations of corruption and a significant gap between the population’s needs and the policies enacted by its leaders. Archbishop Kleda’s statements represent a growing sentiment among citizens yearning for progressive change and effective leadership that can address pressing national issues, such as infrastructure and poverty.

Archbishop Samuel Kleda’s appeal for younger leadership in Cameroon highlights the urgent need for generational change in governance, particularly in light of the failures of the current administration to address the country’s pressing socio-economic challenges. His insightful observations underscore the link between leadership capacity and national development, suggesting that a shift in leadership could foster more inclusive progress. The archbishop’s remarks pose a significant challenge to the status quo, inviting the electorate to consider their agency in shaping the future of Cameroon through active participation in the upcoming presidential elections.

Original Source: cruxnow.com