Yaound©: A capital frozen in the 1960s, 70s and the case for a new capital. It doesn’t take an expert for one to notice the rather old buildings that make up most of the key landmarks in Yaound©, Cameroon’s political capital. Except for a few buildings at the 20th May Boulevard and Avenue Kennedy, most buildings in downtown Yaound© were erected between the 1950s, 60s, and 70s and look almost the same (or worse off) than they were in those early years.
According to Cameroon News Agency, the current Treasury building around the Central Post Office (Post Centrale), into which a heavy-duty truck crashed sometime last year, is as old as the 1940s and is still being used today even though billions of CFA are made and stored in this place. Buildings hosting the Ministry of Finance and Public Health are also as old as time itself and have not had any renovations in years. It is the same with buildings hosting the Ministry of Basic Education and the building hosting the offices of the Red Cross directly opposite the road from the Ministry of Basic Education. None of these buildings have received a fresh coat of paint in ages.
As Yaound©’s population continues to grow, the government needs to consider scaling back on some services in a new capital city because it is now very obvious that Yaound© is frozen in time, or at least, the demand for services is more than authorities can keep up with. Waste goes uncollected for weeks and months in some parts, other parts like Mvan and Obili have human waste flowing in the streets and pipe-borne water is lacking in many of the city’s slums in places such as the student residential area of Bonas, Ecole des Postes, and many others.
The proposal for a new capital or co-capital in Buea is gaining traction. Located in the South-West region, Buea stands out as an ideal location. Not only is it geographically well-placed to serve as a counterbalance to Yaound©, but its location could also address some of the political and social grievances currently affecting the Anglophone population. The ongoing Anglophone Crisis in the North-West and South-West regions has intensified tensions between Anglophones and the government and highlighted the logistical challenges of managing a unified nation from a single capital.
By shifting some governmental functions to Buea, the government would not only ease the overcrowding and infrastructural strain in Yaound© but also signal a commitment to addressing the concerns of the Anglophone minority. Such a move could be seen as a concrete effort toward national reconciliation, helping to bridge the divide between Cameroon’s Anglophone and Francophone communities.
There are compelling historical examples of other countries successfully decentralizing their capitals, which could serve as a model for Cameroon. In Nigeria, for instance, the capital was moved from Lagos to Abuja in the 1990s. The decision was driven by both logistical considerations and aesthetic goals: Lagos had become overcrowded and was facing severe infrastructure challenges, while Abuja, located in the center of the country, provided a more neutral and accessible location.
Similarly, Egypt is currently building a new capital city, designed to alleviate the pressures on Cairo. The decision is driven by the need to address Cairo’s severe traffic congestion, pollution, and overcrowding. By relocating key government functions to a new, purpose-built city, Egypt hopes to create a more sustainable and livable urban environment for its citizens.
In the case of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the country has two capitals: Sarajevo and Mostar. This dual-capital arrangement was designed as a way to manage the country’s ethno-linguistic divisions, with Sarajevo serving as the capital for Bosniaks and Mostar representing the Croats.
A move to decentralize the capital from Yaound© would also bring tangible benefits to Yaound© itself. The city, which has become frozen in time, is now struggling with a lack of space for new developments. As a result, urban sprawl has led to poorly planned, low-quality housing and infrastructure, worsening the city’s traffic congestion, drainage problems, and overall quality of life. The lack of space for major real estate developments has meant that critical infrastructure projects are either delayed or never completed.
By decentralizing some administrative functions, Buea could take some of the pressure off Yaound©, providing space for the city to focus on much-needed renovations and urban planning. In turn, Yaound© could begin the long process of modernizing its infrastructure, improving public services, and becoming a more livable city once again. The construction of a new capital city or co-capital in Buea would offer Yaound© the breathing room it desperately needs, both physically and administratively.
The time has come for Cameroon to seriously consider the case for a new capital or co-capital. By decentralizing some of the nation’s administrative functions to Buea, the government would not only address the logistical and aesthetic challenges faced by Yaound© but also take a significant step toward national reconciliation and modernization.