Catégorie : East Africa

Building a Cameroon–Nigeria Axis for Structuring South–South Development

3rd juin 2025

A Strategic Proposal from the MLDC Based on the Community Developmental State (CDS)

Prof. Jimmy Yab. President of the MLDC. President of the Francophone China–Africa Observatory (OCAF). Professor of International Relations.

Prof Jimmy Yab & H.E. OLUSEGUN OBASANJO

Abstract

In a global context of shifting power poles, Cameroon remains deeply anchored in diplomatic frameworks inherited from colonialism, even as South–South dynamics are redrawing the paths of development. This article puts forward a strategic alternative led by the Mouvement pour la Libération et le Développement du Cameroun (MLDC): the creation of a structured bilateral cooperation axis between Cameroon and Nigeria, framed by the Community Developmental State (CDS) model. Drawing inspiration from Asian models of planned industrialization and pragmatic diplomacy, this partnership could accelerate regional integration, reinforce Cameroon’s economic sovereignty, and stabilize border zones through development-oriented diplomacy. The analysis draws upon recent economic data, academic references, and the author’s experience as president of the Francophone China–Africa Observatory (OCAF).

1. Introduction: The Urgency of Diplomatic Refoundation

A photo taken during the 70th anniversary of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) in Beijing—where the author was the sole representative of Cameroon, standing alongside President Olusegun Obasanjo—is more than symbolic. It illustrates a strategic vacuum in Cameroon’s diplomatic presence. While the world is restructuring around regional South–South alliances (Cheru & Obi, 2010), Cameroon remains absent from major co-development platforms, held captive by a France-centric diplomatic approach.

This diplomatic absence signals a structural crisis of vision, which the MLDC seeks to overcome through a developmental diplomacy rooted in the sub-region, positioning Nigeria as a first-tier strategic partner. Within this framework, the Community Developmental State offers the doctrinal and institutional basis to envision a new African regional order, led by sovereign and mutually supportive states.

2. Doctrinal Foundations: The Community Developmental State as a Lever for Regional Integration

Inspired by Asian models (Japan, South Korea, China, Vietnam), the Community Developmental State advocated by the MLDC rests on three pillars of sovereignty: political, economic, and technological (Yab, 2024). It breaks away from paradigms of dependence on international donors in favor of national planning and regional integration.

As Leftwich (1995) emphasizes, development does not arise from automatic market liberalization, but from the strategic autonomy of a state embedded in its national and regional communities. The CDS reframes foreign action not as passive representation but as a public policy of structural transformation.

3. Nigeria: An Underutilized Power in Cameroon’s Regional Strategy

With a GDP of $477 billion (IMF, 2023), a population exceeding 230 million, vast gas reserves, and a growing manufacturing sector, Nigeria is the continent’s leading economic power. Yet, Cameroon has never developed a high-level bilateral cooperation framework with Abuja—despite sharing a 1,500 km border and informal trade flows estimated at over $500 million in 2022 (BEAC, 2023).

The MLDC proposes transforming this informal border coexistence into a structured co-development axis, built around logistical corridors (Garoua–Maiduguri, Bamenda–Enugu), joint economic zones, and industrial cooperation on regional value chains (livestock, textiles, agriculture, energy).

4. Academic and Operational Diplomacy: The Role of OCAF

As President of the Francophone China–Africa Observatory, the author has conducted numerous comparative analyses on Sino-African cooperation modalities. Contrary to simplistic interpretations, China does not impose a single model but offers a flexible negotiation framework in which the partner state remains responsible for its agenda (Brautigam, 2009).

It is this strategic school that informs our proposal: a co-diplomacy of development, in which Cameroon co-constructs with Nigeria:

A Cameroon–Nigeria Institute for South–South Development, based in Garoua or Maroua, to train regional cooperation personnel; Joint university programs linking Yaoundé I, Douala, Ibadan, Nsukka, Zaria, to share expertise in agriculture, health, security, and industry; A shared strategy to attract African and Asian FDI, particularly for financing common infrastructure.

5. Regional Security: Peace Through Integrated Development

The Cameroon–Nigeria border, particularly in the Far North, remains plagued by multiple forms of insecurity: Boko Haram, cross-border banditry, extreme poverty. The MLDC proposes a doctrine of developmental security, inspired by the concept of “human security” (UNDP, 1994), which integrates military action, social inclusion, and economic integration.

This doctrine is based on:

Joint community-based security forces, funded by both states; Economic stabilization projects in at-risk areas (roads, schools, hospitals); Regional reintegration centers for former combatants, linked to literacy and vocational training programs.

6. A Strategic Break from Passive Diplomacy

Unlike Cameroon’s current foreign policies, which rely on symbolic representation and influence, the MLDC’s approach is grounded in impact diplomacy, oriented toward sovereignty and development goals.

The proposed Cameroon–Nigeria axis adopts an offensive posture, based on a realistic reading of the regional environment. It aligns with the notion that well-crafted South–South alliances are now strategic levers comparable to past bilateral treaties with Northern powers (Mohan & Tan-Mullins, 2019).

Conclusion: Toward a Pan-African Developmental Geodiplomacy

The MLDC puts forward a true geopolitical shift for Cameroon. By reorienting Cameroonian diplomacy toward pragmatic South–South partnerships—beginning with Nigeria—it restores foreign policy to its historical mission: supporting national independence, accelerating development, and ensuring peace.

The Community Developmental State is not merely an administrative model but a strategic and operational framework for situating Cameroon within a strong, integrated, and sovereign Africa.

“Those not at the negotiation table are on the menu of history.”

— Prof. Jimmy Yab

References

Brautigam, D. (2009). The Dragon’s Gift: The Real Story of China in Africa. Oxford University Press.

Cheru, F., & Obi, C. (2010). The Rise of China and India in Africa: Challenges, Opportunities and Critical Interventions. Zed Books.

Evans, P. (1995). Embedded Autonomy: States and Industrial Transformation. Princeton University Press.

IMF. (2023). World Economic Outlook. International Monetary Fund.

Leftwich, A. (1995). Bringing Politics Back In: Towards a Model of the Developmental State. Journal of Development Studies, 31(3), 400–427.

Mohan, G., & Tan-Mullins, M. (2019). The Geopolitics of South–South Infrastructure Development: Chinese-Funded Transport Projects in Ethiopia and Kenya. Political Geography, 73, 31–43.

UNDP. (1994). Human Development Report 1994: New Dimensions of Human Security. United Nations Development Programme.

Yab, J. (2024). Construction d’un État Développementaliste Communautaire : Le Cameroun. US Editions.

BEAC. (2023). Report on Informal Trade Flows in CEMAC. Bank of Central African States.

Le Botswana a un nouveau Président de 54 ans: Seule une Coalition Populaire et un Programme d’Amélioration du Niveau de Vie Peuvent Vaincre les Partis Historiques comme le RDPC— Vers un Nouvel Élan pour le Cameroun avec le MLDC

11th novembre 2024
Duma Boko, 54 ans, nouveau Président du Botswana

Dans une cérémonie d’investiture haut en couleur le 8 Novembre 2024 et un tournant politique historique, le Botswana a vu l’élection de Duma Boko, jeune président de 54 ans, qui incarne le changement tant attendu par les citoyens. En s’appuyant sur l’Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), une coalition unissant le Botswana National Front et l’Alliance for Progressives, Boko a réussi à renverser le parti au pouvoir après 58 ans de domination. Ce succès est un témoignage de la force d’une coalition qui place le bien-être des citoyens au centre de son programme, avec des promesses concrètes pour relever le niveau de vie de la population.

Lors de son investiture à Gaborone, Boko, acclamé par des milliers de citoyens enthousiastes, a souligné l’importance de l’unité et du changement. « C’est l’un des moments les plus rares de notre histoire — une démonstration de la puissance du peuple lorsqu’il s’unit pour un objectif commun », a-t-il déclaré. Son premier discours a mis en avant les valeurs de respect et de coopération, même envers son prédécesseur, Mokgweetsi Masisi, qui a permis une transition pacifique.

Le MLDC : Une Alternative de Changement pour le Cameroun

Inspiré par l’exemple botswanais, le Mouvement pour la Libération et le Développement du Cameroun (MLDC) se positionne pour les élections de 2025 avec une vision similaire de coalition et de transformation sociale. Conscient que seul un programme populaire et inclusif peut battre le RDPC, parti au pouvoir depuis des décennies, le MLDC propose une coalition large qui réunit les jeunes, les femmes et diverses forces politiques autour d’un objectif commun : améliorer les conditions de vie des Camerounais. Le MLDC est convaincu que seul un mouvement inclusif et solidaire, soutenu par un programme axé sur le bien-être des citoyens, peut apporter l’alternance dont le pays a besoin.

Un Programme pour Élever le Niveau de Vie des Populations

Duma Boko et la coalition UDC ont su capter l’attention des Botswanais avec des engagements concrets : un salaire minimum de 4 000 pulas (302 dollars), des allocations de chômage, des aides pour les personnes âgées, et la création de nouvelles entreprises. Ces mesures répondent directement aux besoins des citoyens, alors que le chômage au Botswana est monté à 27,6 % en 2024. Ce programme pragmatique et orienté vers le développement social a été un facteur clé dans la victoire de l’UDC.

Le MLDC, de son côté, s’engage également à améliorer le niveau de vie des Camerounais, avec des propositions pour lutter contre le chômage, optimiser les services publics, et offrir un accès équitable à l’éducation et à la santé. En mettant l’accent sur une gestion efficace et transparente des fonds publics, le MLDC promet de recentrer les politiques nationales sur les besoins essentiels du peuple, un impératif pour créer un changement durable.

Optimiser les Ressources Nationales pour le Développement

Un autre aspect décisif de la victoire de l’UDC au Botswana est son engagement à renégocier les accords avec De Beers pour maximiser les bénéfices des ressources en diamants, qui constituent 80 % des exportations du pays. En s’inspirant de cette approche, le MLDC au Cameroun propose de réformer la gestion des ressources naturelles telles que le pétrole et le bois, afin d’augmenter les revenus nationaux et de soutenir l’économie locale par la création d’emplois durables.

Un Modèle pour l’Afrique et un Espoir de Transition pour le Cameroun

Le succès de la coalition UDC montre qu’une opposition unie et portée par un programme de progrès social peut triompher même face à un parti historiquement puissant. Cela représente un modèle inspirant pour le Cameroun, où le MLDC se prépare à une campagne historique pour 2025.

En rassemblant les forces populaires et en promouvant un programme qui place le bien-être des Camerounais au premier plan, le MLDC espère encourager la reproduction de ce succès botswanais au Cameroun.

Transforming Tanzania: Female Leadership and the Electric Railway

1st novembre 2024

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During my visit to Tanzania, I had the opportunity to observe firsthand the impressive transformations the country has undergone, especially under the leadership of President Samia Suluhu Hassan. As Tanzania’s first female president, she embodies a style of female leadership capable of transforming and modernizing the country, demonstrated by the remarkable development of its electric railway system. By becoming the first country in East Africa to launch an electric rail network, Tanzania illustrates how a visionary female leader can infuse fresh momentum into the economy and society. In this article, I will explore how President Hassan’s leadership is contributing to Tanzania’s development and the impact of her example for Africa as a whole.

Female Leadership and a Vision for Progress in Africa

Having women in positions of power in African countries often brings a breath of fresh air, blending inclusivity, sustainable development, and stability. President Samia Suluhu Hassan exemplifies this dynamic. She assumed office following the death of her predecessor, during a delicate period of transition. Despite the challenges, she managed to impose her vision and accelerate major national projects, including the electric railway connecting Dar es Salaam to Dodoma. This significant project, covering 440 kilometers, reduces travel time from 10 hours to 4 hours and sets a model for the entire region.

Under President Hassan’s leadership, Tanzania now positions itself as a model of modernization for other East African nations, especially in transportation and infrastructure. Through this railway, the country is boosting trade, enhancing mobility, and reducing its dependency on fossil fuels by using electricity—a sustainable choice that reflects values of inclusivity and progress.

A Rail Project That Is Transforming Tanzania

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During my visit, I was able to see the tangible benefits of the railway project for the people. The electrified railway between Dar es Salaam and Dodoma is more than a mere transportation network; it’s a true asset for national development. With a maximum speed of 160 km/h, this modern train improves citizens’ mobility, enhances trade between regions, and opens new commercial and tourism opportunities. This project, valued at approximately $3.1 billion, embodies President Hassan’s commitment to building modern, sustainable infrastructure that meets her country’s real needs.

Beyond the benefits in terms of time savings and efficiency, the positive environmental impact of this railway is crucial. By opting for electricity, Tanzania aligns itself with sustainable development goals and reduces its carbon footprint. This project marks a turning point for the region, made even more significant by the fact that it’s being led by a visionary woman who is committed to a green and prosperous future.

Female Leadership in the Face of African Challenges

For female leaders in Africa, leading a country also means facing numerous challenges, including stereotypes and resistance from certain sociocultural factions. President Samia Suluhu Hassan has not been spared from criticism, but she has demonstrated strong leadership and inspired her people by promoting inclusive development. She’s not the first woman in Africa to achieve such an accomplishment; Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, former president of Liberia, is another example. Sirleaf, the first woman elected head of state on the continent, led her country through a crisis, laying strong foundations for democracy and peace.

These examples illustrate the transformative power of female leadership in Africa. Far from being mere administrators, these women are builders of peace and development, offering an inclusive, responsible vision for the well-being of future generations.

Toward a New Era of Inclusive and Sustainable Governance

The impact of female leadership goes beyond symbolism; it promotes governance that values strong institutions and sustainable development. By undertaking economic reforms and launching projects like the electric railway, Samia Suluhu Hassan shows that female leadership is not merely about gender parity but is a path to real transformation that meets the needs of her people. As the first woman president, she echoes the values of Scandinavian countries, where women’s inclusion in government is associated with effective and stable governance. This parallel shows that female leadership can be a valuable asset, not only for gender parity but for a fairer, more balanced future.

My trip to Tanzania strengthened my optimism about the potential of female leadership for Africa’s development. Through her commitment and vision, President Samia Suluhu Hassan demonstrates that a woman can not only lead but can also transform her country by instilling a dynamic of modernity, inclusivity, and sustainability. The electric railway is a symbol of this progress: it embodies the ambition and capability of a country to modernize its infrastructure and improve the lives of its citizens.

Africa needs strong leaders and ambitious projects to meet the challenges of the 21st century. Tanzania’s success is an inspiration for the continent and an invitation for other countries to pursue inclusive development by valuing the potential of women to lead and innovate for a prosperous, sustainable future.