Compiled by Moma Sandrine
It’s a political reward
I think the president’s decision to reshuffle his cabinet is not something new. It has been for the past 35 years that he has been in power and we have always known this to be a political move. He keeps rewarding his political allies with appointments. When you look at the persons that have been appointed into the various ministries, some of them are not qualified per se. I think it is purely a political reward; rewarding those who have been loyal to him and the party for the past 35 years.
Awa Awa, entrepreneur
It’s power changing hands
I think the cabinet reshuffle shows that power is changing hands in our nation. I think it’s a good idea for some ministers to rest after ruling for a long time in their various ministries. I also think that those who have come up, like Nalova Lyonga, needed the promotion because of their hard work before now. I congratulate them and I hope that they promote justice in our nation through their various tasks.
Vanessa, student
Administration will remain the same
To me the cabinet reshuffle was aimed at making the Anglophones think that they are not marginalized, but I think it really doesn’t make sense. Appointing some particular people to some particular positions has nothing to do with the common man. I don’t think there’s going to be any change in the administration.
Prettiest Tracy, actress
It is a political strategy
It is a political strategy because the president has simply appointed those he thinks will help him win votes come the October presidential election. Come to think of it, why will the president appoint people like Nalova Lyonga and Atanga Nji Paul who failed whole fully in handling the Anglophone crisis in their different spheres of influence if not for his political benefits. It is obvious there is more to the cabinet reshuffle than meets the eyes.
Geofred, teacher
It is a destructive tool
I think the cabinet shakeup is a means to completely set confusion among Anglophones. How can the Head of State appoint Anglophones who are hated by their fellow brothers to represent them in government? If someone like Atanga Nji Paul said “there is no anglophone problem” How then will he be able to solve a problem that doesn’t exist as minister of Territorial administration. To me, appointing such people is the same like setting brothers against each other.
Theophile, political scientist
Fails to consider the Anglophone crisis
The president of the Republic, being a seasoned politician, has again chosen people that will serve his political interest. That is politics and it is ok.
But He However failed to consider the fact that we are living in critical times in this country, with the Anglophone crisis as the main issue at hand.
If he took this into consideration, he would have seen that some of those he appointed ministers especially from the Anglophone regions are people who have in recent times become unpopular and have lost the confidence and support of the people. Their appointment to ministerial positions is somewhat inconsequential to the Anglophone population which has been crying for greater representation in the government.
I think it is time look beyond the walls of political party interest and see the reality and make reasonable changes that will foster sustainable peace.
I however congratulate them on their appointments and hope they deliver.
Derrick, youth advocate for peace