Paul Biya's Inner Circle: Examining Power and Influence in Cameroon

Close Ties to Power

This elite group shares strong sociological ties with Paul Biya. They hail from the same regions and have similar ethnic and cultural backgrounds. This closeness not only ensures their loyalty to the president but also strengthens their positions within the government, creating a tightly-knit power structure resistant to change.

Suppressing Opposition

In their local communities, these gatekeepers do not hesitate to use violent means to target those suspected of opposing Paul Biya. Reports suggest that they resort to using machetes to intimidate and suppress dissenters. This local-level violence mirrors the broader national strategy to stifle opposition and maintain control.

Loyalty to Biya’s Party

Most of these elites are staunch supporters of the Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (RDPC), Biya’s political party. However, they often disparage other communities that support rival political formations, even when these formations are led by individuals from their own ethnic groups. This selective loyalty underscores a focus on immediate political gain over broader communal solidarity.

Stigmatizing Opponents

On the eve of elections, intellectuals within this group create divisive concepts to isolate and stigmatize communities supporting opposition candidates. In 1992, Joseph Owona coined the term "anglo-bami" to undermine John Fru Ndi, labeling him as the candidate of the Anglophones and Bamilékés. In 2018, his son Mathias Owona introduced "Tontinard" to target Maurice Kamto, another major opposition figure. These tactics are designed to sow division and weaken opposition coalitions.

Collaboration with Security Forces

During opposition protests, these gatekeepers often inform security forces about the residences of opposition members, facilitating arrests by the police or gendarmerie. In the 2019 peaceful protests, eight out of ten identified torturers at the State Secretariat for Defense (SED) belonged to their communities, highlighting their active role in repression.

Dominance in Key Institutions

These elites occupy crucial positions across various sectors, including taxation, the military, the judiciary, the police, and the administration. They also hold significant diplomatic posts in major Cameroonian embassies worldwide, ensuring their influence extends beyond national borders.

Contrast Between Power and Poverty

Despite their immense influence, the villages and towns from which these gatekeepers hail are among the poorest in the country. They suffer from severe poverty, underdevelopment, and a lack of infrastructure, illustrating a stark paradox: while wielding significant power, these elites have failed to uplift their own communities.

A Case in Point

The case of Mini Elom, who reportedly celebrated the kidnapping of a young man in Douala to be taken to the SED in Yaoundé, exemplifies the mentality of these gatekeepers. Their use of power is often self-serving, aimed at consolidating their dominance and suppressing dissent rather than fostering national unity or development.

Conclusion

As the 2025 presidential elections approach, the actions and influence of these gatekeepers will undoubtedly continue to draw scrutiny. Their entrenched power and the methods they use to maintain it highlight the challenges facing Cameroon in its quest for a more just and democratic society.