Cameroon, like many African countries, faces major socio-economic problems, particularly in the education sector. While teachers have fought for decades for decent salaries, advancement, and improved working conditions, the government, under President Paul Biya, continues to be criticized for extravagance and excessive spending.
Last June, public opinion was shocked to learn that Ayang Luc, the president of the economic and social council of Cameroon, had requested an amount of 2 billion CFA francs (approximately 3.4 million dollars) for the construction of part of his residence. Despite protests and criticism, it appears that the authorities are ignoring people’s concerns.
Recently, SOCIÉTÉ GÉNÉRALE DE CONSTRUCTION SARL won the construction contract for this residence for an amount of 1.7 billion CFA francs, barely less than the 2 billion initially requested. This news seems to indicate that politicians continue to siphon off state coffers for their own benefit, ignoring the urgent needs of the population.
It is important to note that Ayang Luc has held the position of president of the economic and social council for approximately 40 years. Before that, he was Prime Minister of Cameroon in 1983-1984. His requests for public funds to build his personal residence have raised questions about accountability and transparency in the use of state resources.
The economic and social council, an institution created to guarantee a solid economy and prevent social tensions, is largely unknown to the Cameroonian public. Its last sessions date back to 1986, and it has not demonstrated a significant contribution to resolving the major problems facing the country, including the English-speaking crisis, the teachers’ crisis, the economic crisis, the security crisis, and many others.
Furthermore, the economic and social council spent billions of CFA francs to build its own headquarters in Yaoundé, without showing tangible results for these investments.
Although the Cameroonian population endures many hardships, including kidnappings and assassinations, some senior officials continue to demand public funds for their personal projects, sparking widespread outrage.
The situation highlights the need for responsible management of public finances and accountability on the part of Cameroon’s leaders. Excessive spending and demands for public funds for personal projects are seen as an insult to teachers, workers, and the general population, which fights for decent living conditions and quality education. The issue of transparency and accountability continues to weigh on the Cameroonian government, which must respond to the legitimate concerns of the population.
