In Cameroon, frustration is mounting over deep-rooted corruption, collapsing infrastructure, and a political system that many citizens believe has failed them.
At the centre of the outrage is a single word that has come to symbolise the country’s governance crisis: “inadmissible.”
For many Cameroonians, this term has been repeatedly used by political authorities to silence opposition figures and dismiss legitimate concerns, while large-scale corruption and mismanagement continue unchecked.
“Who hasn’t heard this word? Who doesn’t know which politician it’s often used against? Who? His requests are the only things that are inadmissible.
Projects of any kind, however, are always admissible,” one critic wrote in a viral commentary.
The country’s roads are among the most visible signs of the problem.
Despite multi-billion CFA franc contracts awarded for infrastructure projects, many roads remain in appalling condition.
“For a road contract costing, say, one billion CFA francs, the successful bidder will complete it with about 500 million.
The officials will ‘bite away’ the other 500 million. The road will be admissible,” the commentary noted.
It is a pattern that repeats itself: shortly after construction, heavy rains expose shoddy work, leaving roads riddled with potholes. Officials often blame “natural disasters,” while citizens see evidence of graft.
“Who hasn’t lamented the pitiful state of our roads? Who? On television, supporters of the regime justify this by lack of money,” the writer continued.
Authorities argue that limited resources are focused on more urgent priorities, including the fight against Boko Haram in the Far North and ongoing security crises in the English-speaking regions.
Others point to heavy rainfall, while critics dismiss these explanations as excuses masking systemic corruption.
“Elsewhere, where the road passes, development follows,” the commentary stressed, contrasting Cameroon’s experience with that of other African nations. “Awarding contracts is not the solution. Everything lies in the option of corruption.”
Political disillusionment is also growing, as institutions routinely declare opposition petitions “inadmissible.”
“During its last session of the pre-election dispute, the ‘conspiracy’ Council again pronounced the word inadmissible (or unfounded) and on the same politician,” the piece said, predicting that the ongoing case involving politician Issa Tchiroma Bagarre riz would likely meet the same fate.
As the country approaches another election cycle, public patience is wearing thin. Many believe that without a decisive crackdown on corruption and accountability in governance, Cameroon’s roads — and its democracy — will continue to crumble.
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