MIRAGE DEMOCRATIQUE ET IMMOBILISME POLITIQUE EN AFRIQUE SUBSAHARIENNE : LE CAS DU CAMEROUN
DEMOCRATIC MIRAGE AND POLITICAL IMMOBILISM IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA: THE CASE OF CAMEROON

Summary/Abstract: The objective of this work is to understand the strategies that have been put in place by the Biya regime in order to lock the controls of the central power in Cameroon. To achieve this, we used a qualitative investigative method, combining techniques of documentary research, direct observation and interviews. It appears that to stay in power in perpetuity, Paul Biya relied on a form of "belly politics" based on clientelism and electoral donation on the one hand. On the other hand, he knew how to put in place an authoritarian democratization allowing him to manipulate the constitution to represent himself for life, to obtain the triumph of the ballot boxes thanks to the electoral tampering with which his “Creatures” are responsible, and to ensure the control of social and political order through efficient use of coercive and repressive resources. All of these make up what we have chosen to call the democratic mirage.

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