Explore why Issa Tchiroma Bakary has been called “the good devil” by some Cameroonians. Discover the meaning behind the nickname and what it reveals about his political image, strategy, and legacy.
In Cameroonian politics, colorful nicknames often emerge to describe strong personalities. One of the most intriguing is the phrase some citizens have used to describe Issa Tchiroma Bakary — “the good devil.” The label, both ironic and symbolic, reflects the complex relationship many Cameroonians have with him: admiration mixed with skepticism, respect alongside doubt. But what exactly does it mean, and why has it stuck to his name?
A Man Between Two Worlds
Issa Tchiroma Bakary has been part of Cameroon’s political landscape for decades. He has served as a minister under President Paul Biya in several portfolios — from Transport to Communication — and later founded his own political party, the Front pour la Démocratie et le Développement (FDD). Over the years, his ability to navigate between loyalty and opposition has fascinated and divided observers.
For his critics, this adaptability makes him unpredictable. For his supporters, it shows political wisdom and survival instinct. This duality — seen as both cunning and constructive — is what some describe with the paradoxical label “the good devil.”
The Meaning Behind the Nickname
In local expression, the term “good devil” doesn’t necessarily mean evil. It often describes someone who is sharp, strategic, and fearless — a person you may not fully trust but whose intelligence and effectiveness you cannot deny.
Applied to Issa Tchiroma, the name reflects his talent for staying relevant, reading the political winds, and negotiating power dynamics that others might not survive. In a system where political longevity is rare, Tchiroma’s staying power commands a strange kind of respect.
A Master Communicator
Tchiroma is known for his powerful rhetoric. As a long-time government spokesperson, he defended state policies with passion, often facing harsh public criticism. Yet even his opponents acknowledge his eloquence and command of the media.
This ability to speak convincingly on difficult issues earned him both admiration and suspicion — admiration for his intellect, and suspicion over whom he truly serves. Thus, “the good devil” can also symbolize the persuasive voice that can argue for either side with conviction.
Reinvention and Political Relevance
After decades within government ranks, Tchiroma’s declaration to run for president in 2025 marked another transformation. He now calls himself the “candidate of transition,” promising reform and renewal. For some voters, this shows courage and timing. For others, it feels like another calculated move.
Either way, he continues to defy political expectations — which fits perfectly with the image of the “good devil”: always one step ahead, never fully predictable.
A Reflection of Cameroon’s Political Culture
Ultimately, the nickname reveals as much about Cameroonian politics as it does about Tchiroma himself. In a country where political loyalty and opposition often blur, figures like him embody both sides of the equation — challenge and cooperation, continuity and change.
“The good devil” is not a moral judgment but a metaphor for political complexity. It expresses how one man can be both admired and mistrusted, depending on where you stand.
Conclusion
Issa Tchiroma Bakary’s nickname captures the paradox of Cameroonian politics: leaders seen as both problem and solution, critics and insiders, devils and deliverers. Whether loved or questioned, his legacy continues to spark conversation — proving that in politics, perception can be just as powerful as policy.