Cameroon's Energy Gamble: Do Legal Frameworks Hold the Key to Climate Resilience?

Authors

Yeabi Stephanie Mbeidzenyuy

Faculty of Laws and Political Science, University of Yaoundé II, Yaoundé (Cameroon)

Article Information

DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS.2026.10200049

Subject Category: Political Science

Volume/Issue: 10/2 | Page No: 561-574

Publication Timeline

Submitted: 2026-02-11

Accepted: 2026-02-17

Published: 2026-02-24

Abstract

The context of the Gamble. Cameroon stands at a developmental crossroads, where its "Vision 2035" goals are inextricably linked to energy security. However, this ambition is built on a "gamble" a lopsided reliance on large-scale hydroelectricity in an era of unprecedented climate volatility. The introduction establishes that without a robust legal anchor, this energy strategy remains a house of cards.
This research identifies the central problem: a legislative framework (Law No. 2011/022) that was designed for market liberalization and modernization but failed to anticipate the necessity of climate resilience. It highlights how the law remains "climate-blind," treating energy production as a purely an economic activity rather than an ecological one. The theoretical framework is focused on the utilizing the "Climate Law" theory, this study examines how legal norms can act as catalysts for environmental change. It posits that law is not merely a set of rules but a steering mechanism for risk management. This abstract outlines the hypothesis that the current "fragmented" governance is the primary barrier to a resilient energy mix. This study employs a multidisciplinary legal analysis. By bridging the gap between administrative law and environmental science, the research methodology ensures that findings are grounded in both legal reality and the physical realities of climate change in the Gulf of Guinea and the Sudano-Sahelian regions. The synthesis of findings analysis reveals a striking "Implementation Gap." While the SND30 policy document calls for 25% renewable energy by 2035, the legal codes lack the enforcement mechanisms to turn these aspirations into bankable projects. The "gamble" is further complicated by the lack of legal protections for independent solar and wind producers. Finally, this work proposes a radical shift from "passive" to "active" energy law. This involves the "ClimateProofing" of the energy sector through legislative amendments that mandate environmental impact assessments specifically focused on long-term climate projections rather than historical weather data.

Keywords

Energy, Legal Frameworks and Climate Resilience, Cameroon

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