A thought-provoking and controversial commentary titled “The Day of the Devil” by journalist and social engineer Nouck Protus has ignited nationwide debate over religion, politics, and morality in Cameroon’s post-election atmosphere.
In the essay, Protus reflects on the recently concluded presidential election, which ushered in what he describes as “Year Number Forty-Four of Biya’s presidency.” But his focus is not just on politics—it is on what he calls “the mark of the devil stamped all over the political season.”
At the heart of Protus’s critique lies a controversial statement made earlier this year by a Roman Catholic bishop, who reportedly told his congregation that Cameroon had become so unbearable that “even the devil should take over.” The journalist calls this moment “a bizarre spectacle,” one that blurred the lines between faith and politics.
Protus questions how a man of God could openly invoke the devil in matters of governance, calling the bishop’s remarks “a dangerous metaphor that could wound the faith of believers.” He contrasts this behavior with the example of the late Christian Cardinal Tumi, who, he notes, “led protests and prayers against injustice” rather than calling on the devil for deliverance.
Throughout his piece, Protus paints a satirical yet somber picture of Cameroon’s political landscape, marked by division, confusion, and moral decay. He suggests that the bishop’s “doctrine of the good devil” has normalized the idea that “the end justifies the means,” even in religious circles.
As the newly re-elected President Paul Biya began his term, Protus highlights the irony in the president’s inaugural declaration that his victory was granted by “God Almighty,” while others had been “calling and counting on the good devil.” The writer questions whether Cameroon, once dedicated to the Virgin Mary, has now become “supra dedicated to Satan.”
His essay closes with a biting reflection on the contradictions in Cameroonian society: “Men of God beseeching the devil, and the ‘evil regime’ in power singing praises to God.” He ends with a chilling remark: “The devil is watching.”
Since its publication, “The Day of the Devil” has stirred intense discussion both in church circles and on social media, with some praising Protus for his courage and others accusing him of attacking the clergy.
Religious observers say the piece underscores a growing tension between the church’s moral authority and its involvement in politics. As one social media user commented, “Protus just said what many have been afraid to say—the line between God and politics in Cameroon is disappearing.”
Whether seen as satire, social criticism, or a moral warning, Nouck Protus’s essay has forced many Cameroonians to confront uncomfortable questions about faith, leadership, and the soul of their nation.
