The House Is Cracking: What the Resignation of Tchiroma and Bello Bouba Signals for Cameroon’s Future

The departures have fueled national conversations about the state of the regime, the future of the country, and the possibility of real political change after decades of rule by President Paul Biya.

Tchiroma’s Explosive Departure

Issa Tchiroma, former Minister of Employment and longtime supporter of President Biya, has resigned and delivered a sharp critique of the current system. Speaking on the online platform BRUT, he described the government as controlled by two powerful clans who are battling for influence rather than serving the people.

“There is no leadership,” Tchiroma said. “The president is absent. For 14 years, no council of ministers has been held. Four ministers have died without being replaced. There is silence from the top.”

Tchiroma also raised concerns about the unresolved killing of journalist Martinez Zogo, saying the government’s failure to act has shaken public confidence. He added that he could no longer support a system that, in his words, “treats Cameroon like private property.”

Bello Bouba Steps Down

Shortly after Tchiroma’s exit, Bello Bouba Maïgari also resigned and announced that his party, the UNDP, will no longer support the ruling RDPC in the upcoming election. He confirmed he will run for president.

This shift is significant because Bouba has deep influence in the northern regions of the country. His departure from the coalition weakens Biya’s traditional support base in that area.

Other Resignations and Political Movement

Nana Aboubakar, Minister Delegate for the Environment, has also resigned, bringing the total number of high-profile exits to three in one week. Sources close to government insiders suggest more resignations could follow.

Mounouna Foutsou, Minister of Youth and Civic Education, has been assigned additional responsibilities at the Ministry of Employment and Vocational Training — a move seen by many as a temporary fix in the absence of strong leadership.

Reactions Pour In

Opposition Leaders

John Fru Ndi’s successor at the SDF issued a short statement calling the resignations “proof that the system is collapsing from within.”

Maurice Kamto, leader of the MRC, said:

“Cameroonians must seize this opportunity to reclaim their future. These resignations confirm what we’ve said for years — power no longer belongs to the people.”

Civil Society and Analysts

Political analyst and writer Ekinneh Agbaw-Ebai accused Tchiroma of opportunism in an article widely shared online.

“Tchiroma is not a reformer. He is not the answer. He helped build this system. Now he wants to be seen as its solution? Cameroonians will not forget.”

However, others praised his courage. A local NGO leader in Garoua said:

“He may have been part of the problem, but it takes guts to walk away. We need more voices speaking out from inside the system.”

Journalists across the country have noted that the silence around Martinez Zogo’s death continues to haunt public opinion.

The Streets Speak

In Yaoundé and Douala, residents interviewed by private radio stations expressed a mix of frustration and hope.

A taxi driver in Douala said:

“We have suffered for too long. If even the ministers are resigning, then things are really bad.”

A student in Yaoundé said:

“I don’t care about politicians. They only speak when it suits them. But maybe, just maybe, this time people will wake up.”

A Tipping Point?

With the opposition fragmented, Tchiroma has called for unity behind a single opposition candidate. Whether that will happen remains uncertain.

Meanwhile, President Paul Biya has remained completely silent. At 92, with health concerns and no clear successor, many wonder if he is still in control.

Observers say the next few weeks will be critical. What was once unthinkable — a divided ruling coalition — is now a visible reality.

The countdown to the 2025 presidential election has truly begun.