Cameroonian politician Issa Tchiroma Bakary says he has been unfairly targeted, describing himself as a scapegoat used to absorb public anger against the government.
Introduction
In a recent statement that sparked widespread debate in Cameroon, veteran politician Issa Tchiroma Bakary declared that he has become the “scapegoat” on whom the government’s critics and opponents project their anger. Known for his outspoken defense of the regime in power, Tchiroma has often been at the center of controversy, balancing loyalty to the government with the weight of public discontent.
A Controversial Figure
Issa Tchiroma Bakary has been active in Cameroon’s political scene for decades, holding several ministerial positions and serving as a government spokesperson. His political career has made him one of the most recognizable figures in the country, but also one of the most criticized.
Supporters describe him as a loyal servant of the state who has always defended national unity, while critics accuse him of being the mouthpiece of unpopular policies. Over the years, this dual perception has turned him into a lightning rod for public frustration.
“I Am the Scapegoat”
Speaking candidly, Tchiroma said:
“I am simply the scapegoat on which people unload the hatred they feel toward the government.”
With this remark, he suggested that he has become a symbolic target, blamed not necessarily for his personal actions but for the broader dissatisfaction with the political system.
His statement sheds light on the psychological and political burden faced by officials who constantly defend government decisions, even when those decisions are deeply unpopular.
Why He Is Seen This Way
Several factors explain why Issa Tchiroma is often singled out:
- Role as government spokesperson: His public statements have repeatedly placed him in direct confrontation with opposition leaders and civil society.
- Firm loyalty to the ruling party: This loyalty has made him a visible representative of unpopular decisions.
- Long political career: With decades in the public eye, he has become a familiar face for both supporters and critics of the regime.
In this sense, Tchiroma may indeed be a political scapegoat—bearing the brunt of anger that goes beyond his individual role.
Public Reactions
Tchiroma’s remarks have divided opinion:
- Critics: Some dismiss his statement as an attempt to gain sympathy, arguing that he willingly chose to defend controversial policies.
- Supporters: Others agree that he has been unfairly targeted, pointing out that he has merely been fulfilling his duties as a politician and spokesperson.
- Observers: Analysts suggest his words highlight the pressure faced by public figures in Cameroon’s political environment, where loyalty often comes at the cost of public image.
Conclusion
Issa Tchiroma Bakary’s claim of being a scapegoat reveals the complex dynamics of Cameroonian politics. As a loyal servant of the government, he has positioned himself as a defender of state policies. Yet this loyalty has also made him a prime target for criticism and resentment.
Whether one sees him as a victim of unfair blame or as an active participant in unpopular decisions, Tchiroma’s statement highlights the heavy burden carried by those at the forefront of political communication. His role as both a spokesperson and a symbolic figure ensures that he will remain one of the most debated personalities in Cameroon’s public life.