Archbishop Kleda Urges Young Leadership to Replace Ageing Rulers in Cameroon

Archbishop Samuel Kleda of Douala has urged Cameroon’s aging leaders to step down for the benefit of a new generation. His remarks focus on the detrimental impact of ineffective governance, corruption, and poor infrastructure on the nation’s development. As President Paul Biya nears a pivotal election year, Kleda’s message calls for active citizen involvement in promoting change and addressing the widening socioeconomic disparities.

In a recent address to the Cameroonian public, Archbishop Samuel Kleda of Douala has called on the nation’s aging leaders, specifically referring to President Paul Biya, to step down and allow a new generation to assume leadership roles. The Archbishop emphasized the detrimental effects of poor governance, electoral fraud, and pervasive corruption, which are exacerbated by the disconnect between the country’s abundant natural resources and the widespread poverty faced by its citizens. He articulated that as leaders age, both their physical and mental capabilities decline, impairing their effectiveness in governing.

Kleda expressed concern that such decline undermines development and stalls social progress, ultimately harming the youth whose potential remains unfulfilled. He noted that many young Cameroonians choose to emigrate in search of better opportunities, a trend which he believes will weaken the nation’s economic foundations in the long run. The Archbishop confidently asserted that Cameroon possesses rich resources—from fertile land to valuable minerals—but the critical issue lies in ineffective leadership and policy-making.

Adding to the urgency of his message, he criticized the deplorable state of infrastructure, particularly the roads, which hinder transportation and economic activity. Farmers are forced to raise prices to compensate for the increased transportation costs, exacerbating the economic disparity within the country. The Archbishop pointed out that the government’s lack of investment in essential services has contributed to widening gaps between the affluent and the impoverished.

As Cameroonians prepare for the upcoming presidential elections in 2024, Archbishop Kleda has encouraged civic engagement, urging citizens to register and vote. He firmly believes that even a single vote can significantly impact the future of the nation, thereby emphasizing the importance of participation in the democratic process.

In conclusion, Archbishop Kleda’s remarks highlight the pressing need for renewal in Cameroon’s leadership. His call for aging leaders to step aside underscores a broader demand for accountability and effective governance, vital for addressing the nation’s challenges. The Archbishop’s appeal for active citizen involvement in the upcoming elections serves as a reminder that change begins with the electorate.

Archbishop Samuel Kleda’s remarks come at a critical moment in Cameroon, where President Paul Biya has been in power for over four decades. The aging leadership raises concerns about governance capacity, particularly as Biya approaches 92 years of age. The country’s struggles with development are compounded by reports of corruption, mismanagement, and a lack of infrastructure, further fueling public discontent. Furthermore, the youth’s exodus abroad in search of better opportunities highlights the urgency for leadership reform to create an environment conducive to growth and innovation. The context of the upcoming elections adds another layer of significance to Kleda’s message, as citizens are urged to actively participate in shaping their future.

Archbishop Kleda’s call for a generational shift in Cameroon’s leadership resonates with the growing discontent towards the current regime’s failure to address key issues like poverty, infrastructure decay, and governance. His appeal for civic engagement ahead of the elections underscores the potential for change within the nation’s political landscape. If addressed, these challenges could pave the way for a more equitable, prosperous Cameroon.

Original Source: cruxnow.com