As 2024 drew to a close, the President of Cameroon delivered a compelling New Year’s address on December 31, outlining the nation’s progress, challenges, and aspirations. The speech touched on three key areas: security, economic growth, and the improvement of living conditions. These themes paint a vision of resilience and collective effort for a prosperous future.
Security: A Continued Commitment to Stability
Security remains at the forefront of the government’s agenda. The President commended the nation’s defense and police forces for their steadfast efforts in maintaining stability amidst global unrest. Key achievements included:
- Curtailing Boko Haram’s activities in the Far North region.
- Reconstruction efforts in the North-West and South-West regions.
- A renewed call for armed groups to lay down their weapons and reintegrate into society.
Emphasizing national unity, the President reiterated the government’s commitment to achieving lasting peace and urged all Cameroonians to join hands in fostering harmony.
Economic Growth: Resilience Amid Global Challenges
Despite the pressures of global conflicts, inflation, and fluctuating commodity prices, Cameroon showcased impressive economic resilience in 2024. The President highlighted:
- A 3.8% economic growth rate in 2024, with projections to reach 4.1% in 2025.
- Efforts to reduce inflation from 7.4% in 2023 to an expected 4% in 2025.
- Initiatives aimed at reducing the trade deficit and promoting food sovereignty, particularly through agro-pastoral and fisheries import-substitution plans.
- Industrial milestones, including the inauguration of a large tile production plant and the development of economic zones for commodity processing.
Improving Living Conditions: Transformational Projects
The government remains committed to enhancing the quality of life for all Cameroonians. Notable projects include:
- Power supply improvements through completed dams and ongoing solar energy projects.
- Better access to drinking water and healthcare, with plans to recruit nearly 10,000 healthcare professionals over the next five years.
- Road infrastructure advancements, such as the launch of long-awaited projects like the Ngaoundéré-Garoua and Ebolowa-Kribi roads, and the continuation of critical urban highway developments.
Governance, Elections, and Legal Reforms
The President called for improved governance, emphasizing the fight against corruption and the need for fiscal consolidation to sustain development. He also addressed:
- The 2025 presidential elections, urging citizens to exercise their voting rights responsibly.
- Solutions to challenges in obtaining national identity cards, promising better systems to address these concerns.
A Message of Gratitude and Optimism
Closing his address, the President thanked Cameroonians for their unwavering support and highlighted the importance of unity in overcoming challenges. His message for the New Year was clear: resilience, progress, and collective efforts are the pillars of a brighter future for Cameroon.
As we step into 2025, this vision serves as a reminder of the power of solidarity in building a nation that thrives despite adversity.
By Hadidja Abba, BBCam Fellow.