POLITICS OF SECURITY: DEMOCRACY, GOVERNANCE AND NATIONAL SECURITY IN CAMEROON 2014-2023

Abstract

This thesis examines the effects of national security on democracy and governance in Cameroon between 2014 and 2023. The aim is to demonstrate how governments in a democracy can use national security against democratic and good governance rules for political gains. Cameroon experienced several armed conflicts and political crises in this period and held all its major elections within this period too. These two factors shaped the country’s national security, which adversely affected democracy and governance. To demonstrate this view, the thesis employs the content analysis technique to analyze 42 selected government communication documents. Through this, the thesis contributes to the method and understanding of ways in which national security policies affect democracy and governance. Drawing from critical security theories, the research concludes that national security has a direct negative effect on good governance and democracy especially when there is a security threat and elections involved. This is because those in power will use the situation for political gains. Lessened power of the executive and attributed proper independence to the judiciary, legislative and election bodies among other things can create a balance.