Marafa Hamidou Yaya, a former high-ranking official in Cameroon, has spoken out in an exclusive interview with Jeune Afrique, shedding light on his deteriorating health and harsh detention conditions.
He has been imprisoned since 2012 for his alleged involvement in embezzlement but claims his detention is politically motivated. Yaya highlights the use of torture in Cameroon and accuses President Paul Biya of leading the country into “barbarism and savagery.”
Yaya, who has been imprisoned since 2012 on corruption charges decried his continued detention as the last remaining imprisonment related to the case. He emphasized the lack of evidence for personal gain and highlighted the United Nations’ 2016 call for his release.
Expressing regret for trusting the Cameroonian justice system, Yaya revealed his initial hope for a fair trial. He lamented being denied permission to see his wife in her final days, attributing this to political motives.
While acknowledging no personal betrayal by President Paul Biya, Yaya criticized the manipulation of the judiciary and the disillusionment it has caused among Cameroonians. He called for Biya to uphold the constitution and ensure judicial independence.
Yaya proposed a “Truth, Reconciliation, and Refoundation Commission” as a solution to address the country’s systemic issues. He compared this approach to South Africa’s post-apartheid efforts, aiming to expose wrongdoing and foster national healing.
Yaya expressed concern about the rise of coups d’état in Africa, attributing it to public frustration with poverty, insecurity, and perceived corruption. He warned against populism, viewing it as an unproductive path that fosters division.
Despite his circumstances, Yaya expressed a continued desire to serve his country. He acknowledged health concerns but placed his fate in Biya’s hands. Yaya emphasized the urgency of preventing Cameroon’s further decline and called for a collective effort to rebuild the nation.
This interview sheds light on Yaya’s perspective on Cameroon’s political landscape and his vision for the country’s future. It also raises questions about the ongoing detention and the broader political climate in Cameroon.