Archbishop Samuel Kleda of Douala urges Cameroon’s ageing leaders to resign, calling for a new generation to govern. He criticizes poor governance, corruption, and the disconnect between the nation’s wealth and widespread poverty. Kleda emphasizes the need for effective leadership to harness Cameroon’s resources and tackle infrastructure challenges, while also encouraging civic engagement in upcoming presidential elections.
Archbishop Samuel Kleda of Douala has called on Cameroon’s aging leadership to resign, advocating for a new generation of leaders to emerge. In an interview with local channel RTVC, he criticized ongoing issues such as poor governance, corruption, and the stark contrast between the nation’s wealth and pervasive poverty among its citizens. He emphasized that as leaders age, their physical and intellectual capabilities decline, compromising their ability to govern effectively.
Notably, Kleda remarked that President Paul Biya, who has held power for nearly 42 years, exemplifies this issue. With Biya approaching his 92nd birthday and facing questions about his health and cognitive abilities, Kleda argued that leadership must transition to ensure the country’s development. He decried the lack of opportunities for youth, which has exacerbated emigration and left young, capable individuals unable to contribute to national progress.
Kleda stated, “When we reach this level… we have to simply purely withdraw. What is the point of saying ‘I must die in power?’” He urged those in power to prioritize the nation’s future over their positions. Furthermore, he criticized the failure to create effective policies to utilize Cameroon’s abundant resources, insisting that poor leadership is the real barrier to development.
Addressing national infrastructure shortcomings, Kleda lamented the state of the road system, noting that it hampers economic activities and exacerbates inequalities. He voiced concern over the increasing divide between the rich and the poor, remarking, “We have reached the level where the country has been divided into two classes: those who are rich and those who are poor. There are many people who have nothing to eat.”
Despite these challenges, Kleda expressed hope for change through next year’s presidential elections, encouraging Cameroonians to register and participate in the electoral process. He believes that civic engagement is crucial for ushering in necessary reforms and leadership renewal.
Cameroon is currently experiencing significant political and economic challenges, with a leadership that has remained in power for decades. President Paul Biya has been in office since 1982 and is approaching 92 years of age. The Archbishop’s comments reflect widespread public sentiment regarding the aging leadership’s ability to effectively govern amid rising issues such as corruption, poverty, and infrastructure decay. The youth’s frustration with limited opportunities has also contributed to high emigration rates, prompting calls for a new leadership perspective that can address these critical issues effectively.
In summary, Archbishop Samuel Kleda’s statements highlight urgent calls for the resignation of aging leaders in Cameroon to facilitate a new generation of leadership capable of addressing the nation’s pressing issues. His critique of the current administration encapsulates widespread public frustrations regarding governance, economic disparity, and the neglect of infrastructure. As Cameroonians prepare for the upcoming elections, the archbishop’s plea for civic participation underscores the potential for transformative change in the leadership landscape.
Original Source: cruxnow.com
