In a recent interview, world-renowned Cameroonian bassist and vocalist Richard Bona delivered a scathing critique of the country’s youth culture, igniting fierce debate both online and in public spaces. Speaking frankly about systemic corruption that has taken root in Cameroon, Bona reserved his harshest words for the younger generation, whom he described as fundamentally compromised by pervasive graft.

“The youth in Cameroon are a corrupted generation. They’ve been raised in this system. The mentality is clear: they expect handouts rather than striving for genuine achievement. Apart from a few rare exceptions, this is a generation that has embraced corruption. I’m not optimistic about Cameroon’s future.”

Public reaction to bold statements

Social media erupted following Bona’s remarks, with Cameroonians sharing their divided perspectives. One user commented, “Young people know full well that when a police officer approaches, it’s not for their safety but to extort 500 francs.” On the streets of Yaoundé, the sentiment is similarly mixed. While some acknowledge the existence of corrupt youth, others point to a larger cohort that suffers under corrupt systems rather than perpetuating them.

“There are indeed corrupt youth, but the majority are victims of corruption rather than its architects.”

“Yes, there are shortcuts taken and reprehensible behaviors. But no nation can progress by condemning an entire generation based on its worst elements.”

Cameroon’s global corruption ranking

According to the latest Transparency International report published in February, Cameroon ranks 142nd out of 182 countries in terms of corruption perception. The National Anti-Corruption Commission (Conac) echoed these concerns in its 2024 report, stating “Cameroon continues to struggle under the weight of systemic corruption, with billions of CFA francs embezzled from state coffers annually.”

A civil servant anonymously commented, “Many young people don’t even recognize what’s abnormal anymore. They’ve become conditioned to corruption.”

However, not all voices agree with Bona’s sweeping generalization. Many Cameroonians push back against painting an entire generation with the same brush, highlighting the contributions of honest, hardworking youth who drive progress in the country.

“It’s important to recognize that a significant portion of this youth is resilient, determined, and working with dignity to build a better future. They’re the ones making Cameroon proud.”

“If all Cameroonians were corrupt, this country would have ground to a halt long ago.”

The youth: victims trapped in corruption’s web

Legal expert and anti-corruption advocate Maître Akere Muna presents a more nuanced view of Cameroon’s youth. He characterizes them as “tacit accomplices and victims of systemic corruption,” caught in circumstances beyond their control.

“Corruption in Cameroon is deeply entrenched. To claim young people are responsible ignores the fact that they don’t hold positions of power. They’re trying to survive in a system that forces them to play along. The real issue is that their future is being mortgaged by this culture of corruption, and they should be the first to speak out against it.”

“For forty years, Cameroon has operated on a system where competence and hard work don’t guarantee advancement. Young people learn quickly that connections, nepotism, and tribalism are the real pathways to success.”

Muna advocates for educational reform that emphasizes meritocracy, stating “Hard work must be shown to pay off. Laziness leads nowhere.”

The Conac has urged all public and private sector employees, as well as citizens, to actively combat corruption. The commission maintains a dedicated hotline (1517) for reporting corrupt practices.