President Paul Biya has consolidated power through an entrenched patronage system. Elections remain fundamentally flawed, basic democratic freedoms are not guaranteed, and political repression is widespread. Biya ran again in presidential elections in 2025 at age 92.
Boosted by higher oil revenues and international aid, Cameroon emerged from the COVID-19 crisis with relative macroeconomic stability. However, debt, weak fiscal management, corruption and extensive state intervention continue to constrain economic development and limit improvements in human development.
The government announced a new National Development Strategy through 2030, but implementation has been minimal. The Anglophone crisis, now in its eighth year, continues to strain social relations, with frequent clashes between separatists and the military and increasing violence against civilians.
