Government Accountability Questioned as Police Chief Speaks Out on Road Conditions

In a rare public outburst, Cameroon’s top police official, Martin Mbarga Nguele, expressed deep frustration over the disrepair of the country’s road networks. His sharp criticism came after a taxing trip from Yaoundé to Mutengene, where he faced firsthand the deteriorating state of the country’s infrastructure.

Nguele’s remarks—which questioned the government’s commitment to national development—represent a bold departure from the typical silence on such issues among senior officials.

Following Nguele’s criticism, the Minister of Public Works, Emmanuel Nganou Djoumessi, defended his department, pointing out that the call for tenders to repair the Yaoundé-Mutengene route had been completed since late 2023. But, he added, a lack of funds remains a significant barrier. Djoumessi cited the need for over 146 million CFA francs to address the road’s poor condition, an amount that has yet to be allocated by the Ministry of Finance. This explanation, however, has done little to appease citizens and some government insiders, who question the use of funds in previous infrastructure projects where financing was approved but implementation was reportedly subpar.

A Worsening Crisis and Growing Public Frustration

This unusual critique by Nguele stands in stark contrast to recent statements by other officials, such as Jean De Dieu Momo, a government spokesperson who, during a televised interview, downplayed concerns about Yaoundé’s infrastructure. “I see no garbage in Yaoundé. I don’t know which Yaoundé you’re referring to,” Momo claimed, despite widespread issues with waste accumulation and road decay. His remarks have drawn sharp criticism from residents who say the government is disconnected from the daily struggles they face. Many citizens see Momo’s stance as emblematic of the administration’s reluctance to address the country’s severe infrastructure problems openly.

Infrastructure Decay: A Challenge of Expanding Population and Economy

Experts point to a critical infrastructure gap as Cameroon’s population and economy expand. While Cameroon has made strides in sectors like education and public health, investments in roads and other infrastructure have stagnated. Much of the national road network dates back to colonial times, with only periodic, inadequate upgrades. This neglect has left roads riddled with potholes, subject to washouts from heavy rains, and generally hazardous, particularly along key routes like Douala to Mutengene, which is vital for transporting agricultural products to market. This deterioration is causing more than just inconvenience; it is disrupting supply chains and straining economic activity.

The Economic Toll and Regional Disparities

The poor state of roads affects Cameroon’s remote regions the most, creating logistical barriers that hinder local economies. Roads in northern and western regions, for example, are crucial for transporting goods to Douala and Yaoundé, the nation’s economic centers. But as roads crumble, delays and damaged goods have become routine, costing local businesses and the broader economy. “The cost of doing business here has become prohibitive for many,” said Emmanuel Mba, a Douala-based business analyst. He added that road decay isolates whole regions, dampens trade, and dissuades potential investors.

Calls for a Comprehensive Government Response

Cameroon’s approach to infrastructure development has faced criticism for its lack of cohesion and transparency. Road repairs often seem to be patchwork, with short-term fixes applied to problems that require durable, long-term solutions. The government has pledged improvements on several occasions, yet project implementation remains slow, and public accountability is scarce. Nguele’s remarks, unusual from such a high-ranking official, echo a growing public demand for transparency and prompt action to halt the decay of essential infrastructure.

Can Nguele’s Outburst Spur Real Change?

Nguele’s criticism has energized a populace eager for reform, with many hoping it will spark a national reckoning on infrastructure priorities. But whether this will prompt meaningful change remains uncertain. A continued reluctance by top officials to tackle these issues head-on could deepen the divide between citizens and government, eroding public trust further. Nguele’s blunt question—“What are we doing for the development of our country?”—may linger as a rallying cry for a nation in need of better roads, safer travel, and stronger leadership.

In a time of deepening infrastructure challenges, Cameroon stands at a crossroads, with the future of its economy, its regional development, and its relationship between government and people hanging in the balance.