Northern Cameroon: a call for major projects beyond symbolic contributions :: CAMEROON
Recently the spread of vegetable oil in the Far North from Cameroon by the Minister Celestine Ketcha Courtès strong enthusiasm among the local population. This action, which was seen as a symbol, highlighted the gap between the expectations of residents and the answers provided by the government.
The people of the North are famous for their loyalty towards President Paul Biya, today expressing their desire to see major infrastructure projects come to fruition. Among the expected achievements are the Ngaoundéré-Garoua road, the Mora-Kousseri axis, a road dike on the Logone, as well as the ambitious railway project that connects Ngaoundéré to Kousseri.
Ces infrastructures considered necessary for the development economic and social of the area. They would make it possible to open up remote areas, facilitate trade and greatly improve the quality of life for residents.
The distribution of vegetable oil, although well intentioned, was seen as a disregard for the real needs and aspirations of the people. This function is defined as a form of condescensionreducing the residents’ deep attachment to their president to a simple question of one-time food aid.
This situation raises a wider question: the need for a thorough understanding of local needs and a long-term development approach. The residents of the North want respect for their dignity and recognition of their true aspirations.
The message sent to the Minister Celestine Ketcha Courtès is clear: people are aiming to structure projects that will bring a sustainable transformation to their area. They want their loyalty to President Paul Biya to translate into concrete and important investments in their area.
This dispute raises important questions about the Cameroonian government’s development strategy for the northern regions. It highlights the need for stronger communication between authorities and the local population to better identify priorities and deal effectively with development challenges.
As Cameroon continues its national development efforts, the program in the North reminds us of the importance of a balanced approach that respects regional aspirations. It also underlines the need for a sensible development policy, with a focus on large-scale projects capable of permanently changing the economic and social landscape of the country’s poorest areas.
