The Cameroonian filmmaker and intellectual Jean Pierre Bekolo has issued a bold warning about the country’s political future. In a recent op-ed, he asserts that the absence of President Paul Biya would plunge Cameroon into a state of irreversible instability. According to Bekolo, the current system’s authority is entirely dependent on Biya’s presence, and without him, the nation would lose all cohesion.

The filmmaker describes Cameroon as already trapped in a “permanent period of contestation,” where power struggles manifest through media narratives, social media battles, and behind-the-scenes influence peddling. These conflicts, he argues, are merely the surface-level symptoms of a deeper crisis.

the erosion of legitimacy

Bekolo highlights a troubling trend: as Biya’s authority wanes, the credibility of those claiming to hold power diminishes. Despite the president’s advanced age and declining health, he has maintained an unparalleled symbolic authority that none of his associates can replicate. This paradox underscores a critical issue: the Cameroonian state appears increasingly incapable of functioning without Biya at its helm.

Public skepticism has intensified, particularly regarding the role of presidential families and inner circles in managing national resources. Questions arise over mining deals, constitutional decisions perceived as politically motivated, and the prolonged tenures of state-owned enterprise leaders. Each controversy further erodes public trust in institutions that seem more concerned with preserving their own privileges than serving the nation.

the specter of chaos

Bekolo paints a grim picture of what lies ahead. Without Biya, rival factions that have thus far operated in the shadows will likely escalate their power struggles into open confrontation. Institutions already paralyzed by infighting will struggle to maintain order, while financial systems face collapse under the weight of succession battles.

The filmmaker warns that any attempt to prolong the current system—through secretive maneuvers, constitutional manipulations, or backroom deals—will only accelerate the descent into chaos. The recent extension of Biya’s mandate, he argues, has already exposed the fragility of a state unable to function without its aging leader.

a call for responsible transition

Bekolo does not advocate for abrupt change but instead urges those in power to acknowledge the system’s failure. He calls on political figures to step aside voluntarily, framing their departure not as a surrender but as a historic responsibility to prevent further damage.

A temporary government, he suggests, could restore stability by rebuilding institutions, reinstating trust, and preparing for credible elections. This transition, he emphasizes, must be transparent and democratic—not a continuation of the status quo through underhanded tactics.

The filmmaker’s message is clear: the longer the current system clings to power, the greater the risk of collapse. Cameroon’s future hinges on whether its leaders choose responsibility over self-preservation.