Catégorie : Olusegun Obasanjo

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.

Appel du MLDC à une supervision internationale des elections Présidentielles 2025: Pourquoi des figures comme Olusegun Obasanjo doivent superviser l’audit d’ELECAM pour des élections crédibles au Cameroun

16th novembre 2024
Pr Jimmy Yab & Président OLUSEGUN OBASANJO

Résumé

L’avenir démocratique du Cameroun est en jeu alors que le pays se prépare aux élections présidentielles de 2025 dans un climat de méfiance généralisée envers son organe électoral, ELECAM. Les taux alarmants de rejet des inscriptions sur les listes électorales, atteignant jusqu’à 87 % dans certaines circonscriptions, révèlent des défaillances systémiques qui menacent la crédibilité du processus électoral. Face à cette situation, le Mouvement pour la Libération et le Développement du Cameroun (MLDC) propose un audit international d’ELECAM, supervisé par des personnalités respectées comme l’ancien président nigérian Olusegun Obasanjo. Cet article explore les raisons pour lesquelles le Cameroun a un besoin urgent d’un encadrement international pour ses réformes électorales, en s’inspirant des exemples du Kenya, du Ghana et du Nigeria, tout en inscrivant les propositions du MLDC dans une vision globale pour le renouveau démocratique et la stabilité géopolitique en Afrique centrale.

Mots-clés : Cameroun, MLDC, ELECAM, réforme électorale, Olusegun Obasanjo, démocratie, audit international, leadership africain.

Introduction : Un pays en quête d’élections crédibles

Le Cameroun traverse une crise de confiance dans son processus électoral, et les élections présidentielles de 2025 constituent un test crucial pour son intégrité démocratique. Les taux de rejet élevés des inscriptions sur les listes électorales révélés par ELECAM ont suscité des inquiétudes quant à la suppression des électeurs et à des défaillances administratives.

Dans ce contexte, le Mouvement pour la Libération et le Développement du Cameroun (MLDC) propose une solution audacieuse : un audit international d’ELECAM, dirigé par des figures respectées comme Olusegun Obasanjo. Cette initiative reflète l’engagement du MLDC en faveur d’un système électoral crédible et inclusif, dans le cadre de sa vision plus large d’un État développementaliste. La participation de personnalités telles qu’Obasanjo, reconnues pour leur impartialité et leur expérience en résolution de conflits électoraux, pourrait restaurer la confiance publique et ouvrir la voie à des réformes significatives. Cet article plaide pour l’urgence d’une supervision internationale afin de garantir des élections crédibles et de protéger la démocratie camerounaise.

Les échecs d’ELECAM et l’urgence d’une réforme

Liste de rejet ELECAM

1. Des taux de rejet alarmants

Les données d’ELECAM montrent des taux de rejet atteignant 87 % dans des circonscriptions comme Yaoundé 5, en grande partie en raison de défaillances dans les systèmes d’enregistrement biométrique. Ces chiffres révèlent des failles critiques dans l’infrastructure électorale du Cameroun, sapant la confiance publique dans l’équité des prochaines élections.

2. Une crise de confiance publique

Des accusations généralisées de partialité et d’incompétence contre ELECAM ont renforcé le sentiment de méfiance. Le manque de transparence dans les processus d’inscription sur les listes électorales soulève des inquiétudes concernant la suppression des électeurs, en particulier dans les bastions de l’opposition, exacerbant les tensions politiques.

3. Implications régionales et mondiales

La stabilité politique du Cameroun est essentielle pour l’Afrique centrale. Un échec électoral au Cameroun pourrait aggraver l’instabilité régionale, perturber les efforts d’intégration économique et offrir des opportunités à des groupes extrémistes comme Boko Haram pour exploiter le chaos qui en résulterait.

Pourquoi une supervision internationale est essentielle

1. Restaurer la confiance publique

La nomination d’une équipe d’audit international dirigée par des personnalités comme Olusegun Obasanjo rassurerait les Camerounais sur l’impartialité et la transparence du processus. La confiance publique est un pilier de la légitimité démocratique, et un audit international pourrait fournir la responsabilité qu’ELECAM ne garantit pas actuellement.

2. S’aligner sur les meilleures pratiques

Des nations africaines comme le Ghana et le Kenya ont démontré l’importance de la supervision internationale dans la construction de systèmes électoraux crédibles. L’adoption par le Ghana de la technologie biométrique et les réformes électorales post-crise du Kenya, toutes deux soutenues par des observateurs internationaux, servent de modèles pour le Cameroun.

3. Prévenir les crises politiques

Le transfert pacifique du pouvoir au Nigeria en 2015, facilité par la Commission électorale nationale indépendante (INEC) et soutenu par des observateurs internationaux, souligne l’importance d’élections crédibles pour prévenir l’instabilité politique. Le Cameroun doit tirer les leçons de ces exemples pour éviter les conflits électoraux susceptibles de dégénérer en troubles.

4. Tirer parti de l’expertise africaine

Les anciens dirigeants africains comme Olusegun Obasanjo apportent une expérience et une autorité morale inégalées dans la médiation électorale. Son rôle dans la résolution des crises au Libéria (2017) et au Zimbabwe (2008) démontre sa capacité à naviguer dans des environnements politiques complexes et à favoriser le consensus.

La vision du MLDC : Un plan pour la réforme électorale

La proposition du MLDC d’un audit international s’inscrit dans une stratégie plus large visant à transformer le Cameroun en un État développementaliste fondé sur la transparence et la responsabilité. Les recommandations incluent :

1. Un audit international indépendant

Le MLDC propose un audit complet des opérations d’ELECAM, dirigé par une équipe d’experts électoraux internationaux, de dirigeants africains et de représentants de la société civile.
Exemple : La Commission électorale indépendante du Kenya (IEBC) a bénéficié d’une supervision similaire, qui a renforcé sa crédibilité après la crise électorale de 2007.

2. Modernisation de la technologie électorale

Pour réduire les taux de rejet, le MLDC préconise l’adoption de technologies biométriques avancées, en s’inspirant de la mise en œuvre réussie des systèmes de seconde génération au Ghana en 2020.

3. Garantir l’indépendance institutionnelle

Le MLDC insiste sur la nécessité de dépolitiser ELECAM en restructurant son modèle de gouvernance pour refléter celui de la Commission électorale indépendante d’Afrique du Sud (IEC), reconnue pour son impartialité et son professionnalisme.

4. Surveillance multipartite

Le MLDC appelle à la création d’un conseil consultatif multipartite, comprenant des représentants des partis politiques, de la société civile et des observateurs internationaux, pour surveiller les activités d’ELECAM et garantir sa responsabilité.

5. Campagnes d’éducation des électeurs

Reconnaissant l’importance de la participation citoyenne éclairée, le MLDC propose une vaste campagne d’éducation des électeurs, inspirée de l’initiative nigériane « Vote Not Fight », qui a mobilisé avec succès les jeunes pour des élections pacifiques.

Le rôle d’Olusegun Obasanjo dans la transformation électorale

La participation d’Olusegun Obasanjo à l’audit proposé serait transformative. En tant qu’ancien président du Nigeria et observateur expérimenté, Obasanjo a fait ses preuves dans la médiation des conflits électoraux et la promotion des transitions démocratiques. Sa direction garantirait que l’audit soit approfondi, impartial et crédible, établissant une nouvelle norme pour l’intégrité électorale au Cameroun.

Implications géopolitiques des réformes électorales au Cameroun

1. Stabiliser l’Afrique centrale

La stabilité du Cameroun est essentielle à l’intégration économique et politique de l’Afrique centrale. Des élections crédibles renforceraient la confiance régionale dans le leadership du Cameroun et favoriseraient la collaboration sur les initiatives de sécurité et de développement.

2. Renforcer la position du Cameroun à l’international

En adoptant une supervision internationale, le Cameroun pourrait se positionner en tant que leader de la gouvernance démocratique en Afrique. Cela attirerait des investissements étrangers et renforcerait les partenariats avec les institutions mondiales engagées dans le développement démocratique.

3. Prévenir les ingérences extérieures

Des élections transparentes réduisent la probabilité que des acteurs extérieurs exploitent l’instabilité politique à des fins stratégiques ou économiques, protégeant ainsi la souveraineté et les intérêts nationaux du Cameroun.

Conclusion : Un appel à l’action

Les élections présidentielles de 2025 représentent une opportunité cruciale pour le Cameroun de restaurer la confiance dans ses institutions démocratiques. L’appel du MLDC à un audit international, dirigé par des personnalités comme Olusegun Obasanjo, constitue une solution audacieuse et pragmatique à la crise électorale du pays. En adoptant cette proposition, le Cameroun pourrait non seulement garantir des élections crédibles, mais aussi réaffirmer son engagement envers les principes démocratiques et la stabilité régionale. Le moment d’agir est venu—avant que la crise de confiance ne devienne une crise de démocratie.

References

  1. Annan, K. (2014). Interventions: A Life in War and Peace. New York: Penguin Press.
  2. Obasanjo, O. (2014). My Watch: A Memoir. Lagos: Prestige Publishers.
  3. Electoral Commission of Ghana. (2020). Biometric Voter Registration Lessons. Accra: ECG.
  4. Transparency International. (2023). Perceptions of Electoral Integrity in Africa. Berlin: Transparency International.
  5. IFES. (2021). Enhancing Electoral Integrity through Technology. Washington, DC: IFES.

MLDC’s CALL FOR INTERNATIONAL OVERSIGHT OF ELECTIONS IN CAMEROON: Why Elders Like OLUSEGUN OBASANJO Must Supervise Elections Cameroon’s (ELECAM) Audit for Credible Presidential Elections in Cameroon in 2025

16th novembre 2024
Pr Jimmy Yab & Président OLUSEGUN OBASANJO

Abstract

Cameroon’s democratic future hangs in the balance as the nation prepares for the 2025 presidential elections amidst widespread distrust in its electoral body, ELECAM. High rejection rates of voter registrations, reaching 87% in some constituencies, signal systemic failures that threaten the credibility of the electoral process. In response, the Movement for the Liberation and Development of Cameroon (MLDC) has called for an international audit of ELECAM, advocating for elder statesmen like Olusegun Obasanjo to oversee the process. This article explores why Cameroon urgently needs global oversight for its electoral reforms, drawing lessons from Kenya, Ghana, and Nigeria while situating the MLDC’s proposals within a broader framework for democratic renewal and geopolitical stability in Central Africa.

Keywords: Cameroon, MLDC, ELECAM, electoral reform, Olusegun Obasanjo, democracy, international audit, African leadership.

Introduction: A Nation in Need of Credible Elections

Cameroon is facing a crisis of confidence in its electoral process, with the 2025 presidential elections looming as a critical test of its democratic integrity. The alarming rejection rates of voter registrations revealed by ELECAM have sparked widespread concerns about voter suppression and administrative failures. In this context, the Movement for the Liberation and Development of Cameroon (MLDC) has proposed a groundbreaking solution: an international audit of ELECAM, supervised by respected elder statesmen like Olusegun Obasanjo.

This proposal reflects the MLDC’s commitment to building a credible, inclusive electoral system as part of its broader vision for a developmentalist state. The involvement of figures like Obasanjo—renowned for their impartiality and experience in resolving electoral disputes—could restore public trust and set the stage for meaningful reforms. By drawing on lessons from other African nations, this article argues for the urgency of international oversight to safeguard Cameroon’s democracy.

ELECAM’s Failures and the Urgency for Reform

1. The Alarming Voter Rejection Rates

Data from ELECAM reveals rejection rates as high as 87% in constituencies like Yaoundé 5, primarily attributed to failures in biometric registration systems. Such figures highlight critical flaws in Cameroon’s electoral infrastructure, undermining public confidence in the fairness of the upcoming elections.

2. A Crisis of Public Trust

Widespread accusations of partisanship and incompetence against ELECAM have fueled public disillusionment. The lack of transparency in voter registration processes has raised concerns about voter suppression, particularly in opposition strongholds, deepening political tensions.

3. Regional and Global Implications

Cameroon’s political stability is crucial for the broader Central African region. Electoral failure in Cameroon could exacerbate regional instability, disrupt economic integration efforts, and provide opportunities for extremist groups like Boko Haram to exploit the resulting chaos. Ensuring credible elections is, therefore, not just a domestic priority but a regional necessity.

Why International Oversight Is Crucial

1. Restoring Public Confidence

The appointment of an international audit team led by figures like Olusegun Obasanjo would reassure Cameroonians of the impartiality and transparency of the process. Public trust is a cornerstone of democratic legitimacy, and an international audit could provide the accountability ELECAM currently lacks.

2. Aligning with Best Practices

African nations like Ghana and Kenya have demonstrated the importance of international oversight in building credible electoral systems. Ghana’s adoption of biometric voter technology and Kenya’s post-crisis electoral reforms, both supported by international observers, serve as models for Cameroon.

3. Preventing Political Crises

Nigeria’s peaceful transfer of power in 2015, facilitated by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and supported by international observers, underscores the importance of credible elections in preventing political instability. Cameroon must learn from these examples to avoid electoral disputes that could lead to unrest.

4. Leveraging African Expertise

Elder statesmen like Olusegun Obasanjo bring unparalleled experience and moral authority to electoral mediation. Obasanjo’s leadership in resolving disputes in Liberia (2017) and Zimbabwe (2008) demonstrates his ability to navigate complex political landscapes and foster consensus.

MLDC’s Vision: A Blueprint for Electoral Reform

The MLDC’s proposal for an international audit is part of its broader strategy to transform Cameroon into a developmentalist state rooted in transparency and accountability. The party’s recommendations include:

1. An Independent International Audit

The MLDC proposes a comprehensive audit of ELECAM’s operations, led by a team of international electoral experts, African statesmen, and civil society representatives.
Example: Kenya’s Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) benefited from similar oversight, which strengthened its credibility after the 2007 electoral crisis.

2. Upgrading Electoral Technology

To address the high rejection rates, the MLDC advocates for the adoption of advanced biometric technology, following the example of Ghana’s successful implementation of second-generation systems in 2020.

3. Ensuring Institutional Independence

The MLDC emphasizes the need to depoliticize ELECAM by restructuring its governance model to mirror South Africa’s Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), renowned for its impartiality and professionalism.

4. Multi-Stakeholder Oversight

The MLDC calls for the establishment of a multi-stakeholder advisory council, including representatives from political parties, civil society, and international observers, to monitor ELECAM’s activities and ensure accountability.

5. Nationwide Voter Education Campaigns

Recognizing the importance of informed citizen participation, the MLDC proposes a robust voter education campaign modeled on Nigeria’s « Vote Not Fight » initiative, which successfully engaged youth in peaceful electoral participation.

The Role of Olusegun Obasanjo in Electoral Transformation

Olusegun Obasanjo’s involvement in the proposed audit would be transformative. As a former Nigerian president and seasoned election observer, Obasanjo has a track record of mediating electoral disputes and fostering democratic transitions. His leadership would ensure that the audit is thorough, impartial, and credible, setting a new standard for electoral integrity in Cameroon.

Geopolitical Implications of Electoral Reform in Cameroon

1. Stabilizing Central Africa

Cameroon’s stability is vital for the economic and political integration of Central Africa. Credible elections would strengthen regional confidence in Cameroon’s leadership and foster collaboration on security and development initiatives.

2. Enhancing Cameroon’s Global Standing

By embracing international oversight, Cameroon can position itself as a leader in democratic governance in Africa. This would attract foreign investment and strengthen partnerships with global institutions committed to supporting democratic development.

3. Preventing External Interference

Transparent elections reduce the likelihood of external actors exploiting political instability for strategic or economic gains, safeguarding Cameroon’s sovereignty and national interests.

Conclusion: A Call for Action

The 2025 presidential elections present a critical opportunity for Cameroon to restore trust in its democratic institutions. The MLDC’s call for an international audit, led by elder statesmen like Olusegun Obasanjo, represents a bold and practical solution to the nation’s electoral crisis. By embracing this proposal, Cameroon can not only ensure credible elections but also reaffirm its commitment to democratic principles and regional stability. The time to act is now—before the crisis of confidence becomes a crisis of democracy.

References

  1. Annan, K. (2014). Interventions: A Life in War and Peace. New York: Penguin Press.
  2. Obasanjo, O. (2014). My Watch: A Memoir. Lagos: Prestige Publishers.
  3. Electoral Commission of Ghana. (2020). Biometric Voter Registration Lessons. Accra: ECG.
  4. Transparency International. (2023). Perceptions of Electoral Integrity in Africa. Berlin: Transparency International.
  5. IFES. (2021). Enhancing Electoral Integrity through Technology. Washington, DC: IFES.