The influence of French Colonial system in Cameroon’s economic planning has led to government’s inability to prioritise entrepreneurial spirit, leading to a diminishing prestige in Cameroonians being local businessmen in preference to being a government official, has come under international threats.
The latest of such threats has come from the former US Ambassador to Cameroon, Harriet Isom (1993-1996).

In a write up carrying her observation after a recent private visit to Cameroon, the US diplomat said “the same system has allowed French business interests to block, or otherwise delay other domestic and foreign investments in Cameroon”. She further blames it on the governments’ lack of focus on what she described as “economic engine building”.

French colonial interest, she strongly believes has equally created what according to her is “African Frenchmen”, “who have for long been more interested in investing and interacting with France and Europe, than their own Country”.

Her regret here is that “while Cameroon has made improvements, it is not yet measuring up to its vast potentials” Ambassador Harriet, however lamented that Cameroon’s “hope rests on succession and another day”, inferring that the issue of succession after Biya remains a matter of concern.

According to the Ambassador “Cameroon, its leader, Paul Biya and his ethnic group who have ruled since 1982 show no sign of relinquishing power and will seek to control succession, and has persuaded the legislature to abolish term limits in the constitution. He is however 77 years old, hence his still frequent trips to Europe are carefully parsed for health clues and succession maneuvering is underway “she noted

Ambassador Harriet also made other observations which dwell on the country’s stability, economic growth, remarkable religious tolerance, the disparity in the opposition, a widening gap between the rich and the poor, a pervasive corruption at all levels and an improved Education system, even as she puts it, without job opportunities. Read her full write up on page 5