Former MRC activist Salomon Beas contends that political parties led by figures whose only ambition is to become president of the Republic hinder democratic development.

In a recent Facebook post, the former Cameroon Renaissance Movement (MRC) activist highlights the dangers posed by opposition leaders who view their role merely as a stepping stone to the presidency.

“In a political environment where civil servants and administrators suddenly transform into leaders without proper transition, democracy struggles to take off. These individuals are solely focused on becoming president as quickly as possible without any genuine desire to transform the mindsets of the people they seek to govern. They demand absolute support for their ambitions while disregarding the aspirations of others. In their rush to achieve power, they surround themselves with blind followers and suppress dissenting voices, stifling the growth of constructive political discourse.

Over time, this approach erodes core democratic values, leaving behind empty rhetoric and a lack of meaningful initiative. Their projects ultimately fail, often collapsing just as retirement catches up with them,” Beas wrote in his post.

He emphasizes that true leadership requires resisting authoritarian tendencies and embracing the true essence of democracy.

“In such systems, dictatorships find ways to regenerate, and political reproduction becomes a resilient model that persists over time, poisoning political life and governance for years. A leader who fails to understand that democracy is about convictions, vision, and projects—and who dismisses the possibility that even the most junior collaborator could develop a stronger political ambition—will inevitably see their dreams crumble. Success in politics isn’t about becoming what you envisioned; it’s about giving hope to the people, who may then nurture talents greater than your own.

Central Africa suffers from a dangerous ailment that kills democracy: the tendency of political party leaders to act like revivalist preachers, seeking blind followers rather than committed activists and potential political challengers,” he added.