Renowned Cameroonian bassist and singer Richard Bona, speaking from his exile abroad, has ignited a fierce debate by describing the youth of Cameroon as deeply entrenched in corruption. His remarks, delivered in an exclusive interview, have resonated strongly across the country, sparking both support and sharp criticism online.
Bona’s comments come at a time when corruption remains a persistent blight on Cameroon’s development. According to Afrobarometer data released earlier this year, a staggering 57% of Cameroonians admit to paying bribes to avoid trouble with law enforcement. Nearly half have resorted to corrupting public officials to obtain vital identity documents, while 37% reported paying to access healthcare services.
Young Cameroonians under the spotlight
In his candid assessment, Bona did not mince words: “The youth in Cameroon are a corrupt generation. They’ve been raised this way. They operate on the principle of waiting for scraps from above. With very few exceptions, it’s a corrupt youth. I don’t even think Cameroon will recover from this.”
Social media erupted in response. One internet user commented, “Children know the policeman isn’t coming for their safety—he’s coming to collect 500 francs.” Meanwhile, in the streets of Yaoundé, residents echoed similar frustrations, acknowledging both the existence of corrupt young people and the systemic pressures that push many into such behavior.
One resident argued, “Yes, there are corrupt young people. But the majority are victims of corruption.” Another countered, “While some take shortcuts, judging an entire generation by its worst elements won’t build a nation.”
Is the youth really to blame?
Despite Cameroon’s dismal ranking—142nd out of 182 countries in Transparency International’s latest corruption perception index—some voices push back against Bona’s sweeping generalization. While acknowledging the gravity of the issue, they highlight the resilience and integrity of many young Cameroonians.
“There’s a portion of this youth that is incredibly driven, resilient, and dignified. They’re the ones moving Cameroon forward. If everyone were corrupt, the country would be paralyzed,” noted one civil servant on social media.
The systemic roots of corruption
Maître Akere Muna, founder of Transparency International Cameroon and a respected anti-corruption advocate, offers a more nuanced perspective. He describes the youth not as active instigators, but as “tacit accomplices” trapped in a corrupt system. “Corruption in Cameroon is systemic. The youth aren’t in control—they’re surviving. They adapt to survive. But that doesn’t mean they benefit from it.”
Muna points to decades of entrenched practices where nepotism, tribalism, and favoritism—not merit—dictate advancement. “For forty years, competence hasn’t mattered. What’s mattered is who you know and who you’re connected to. Young people learn fast,” he explains.
He calls for educational reform that instills the belief that hard work leads to success. “If you’re lazy, you won’t go anywhere. And that’s a truth every young Cameroonian needs to understand,” he emphasizes.
Meanwhile, Cameroon’s National Anti-Corruption Commission (Conac) continues to urge public and private sector workers, as well as citizens, to report corrupt acts. The agency operates a toll-free hotline, 1517, as part of its nationwide anti-graft efforts.
