Archbishop Kleda Critiques Cameroon's Democracy: "It Exists Only in Name

In a fiery statement that has reignited political debate, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Douala, Mgr Samuel Kleda, has taken aim at Cameroon’s democratic process. Speaking on Équinoxe TV, the outspoken clergyman described the nation’s democracy as a facade, saying:

“Democracy in Cameroon exists only in name. In reality, it does not exist.”

His comments, coming ahead of the country’s 2025 elections, have sparked widespread discussion and drawn both praise and criticism online.

A Preordained Outcome?

Mgr Kleda voiced concerns about the predictability of Cameroon’s electoral outcomes, accusing the system of being fundamentally flawed:

“Before going to the polls, we already know the winners. This is not democracy.”

He pointed to Elections Cameroon (ELECAM), the body responsible for organizing elections, as lacking impartiality. Its council members, appointed by the sitting president, raise questions about the transparency of the process.

“Who organizes elections in Cameroon? It needs to be clearly defined. As the saying goes, elections are not organized to be lost,” Mgr Kleda asserted.

A History of Speaking Out

This is not the first time Mgr Kleda has challenged the Cameroonian government. In 2011, he publicly called for the resignation of President Paul Biya, who has been in power since 1982. His latest comments build on a legacy of criticism from the clergy, particularly over issues of governance, corruption, and the erosion of democratic norms.

The Archbishop’s Call for Reform

In his televised remarks, Mgr Kleda proposed urgent reforms to Cameroon’s electoral framework to prevent future crises:

• Establishment of an Impartial Electoral Body: He advocated for a consensual and neutral organization to oversee elections, independent of political influence.
• Transparent Election Laws: Revising existing laws to ensure fairness and credibility in electoral processes.

Without these changes, Mgr Kleda warned, Cameroon risks further political instability and loss of public trust.

A Divisive Reaction

His remarks have ignited debate on social media, with many citizens applauding his courage to speak out against a system perceived as deeply entrenched and resistant to change. Others, however, accuse him of overstepping his role as a religious leader and wading too far into political waters.

The Broader Implications

Cameroon’s political landscape remains fraught with challenges. As the country approaches the October 2025 elections, questions about fairness and transparency loom large. With President Biya’s government facing increasing scrutiny, voices like Mgr Kleda’s amplify calls for reform.

While his statements may irritate those in power, they resonate with many Cameroonians yearning for a democratic process that reflects the will of the people rather than predetermined outcomes.

The Way Forward

As Mgr Kleda has pointed out, meaningful change requires structural reforms and the establishment of institutions that inspire trust. His critique is a reminder that democracy is more than just an event—it is a system of governance built on fairness, accountability, and respect for the people’s voice.

The question remains: will Cameroon’s leadership heed these calls for reform, or will the status quo prevail, deepening the disillusionment among its citizens?