By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo
Cameroonians have strongly condemned the heavy security presence surrounding the residence of opposition leader Prof. Maurice Kamto following the government’s ban on an extraordinary convention of the Cameroon Renaissance Movement (CRM) party.
This outcry comes after a statement from Mamadou Mota, the CRM’s Interim President, who declared that Kamto’s home has been under a “de facto siege, without any legal justification” for several days.
“For several days, President Kamto’s residence has been under a de facto siege, without any legal justification being provided by the authorities,” Mota stated. He criticized the “abusive encirclement and the resulting restriction on movement, which constitutes a clear violation of rights.”
Mota argued that these actions reflect the Yaoundé regime’s disdain for the rule of law and respect for opposition leaders. He lamented that Kamto, leader of a legitimate political party, is being “treated like a criminal, in violation of all applicable laws.”
Some believe the authorities hold the CRM accountable for Issa Tchiroma’s issues, while others suggest the ban and security measures relate to the CRM’s extraordinary convention scheduled for November 29. This gathering aimed to elect new party leadership, with Kamto expected to return as president and reorganize the party ahead of the 2025 Legislative and Municipal Elections, according to sources.
The convention was formally banned by the Divisional Officer of Yaoundé IV Municipality in a decree signed on November 27. The administrative authority cited the risk of a “serious threat to public order” as justification for the decision.
Reliable sources have reported that security forces also blockaded the CRM headquarters in Yaoundé on Saturday. This security encirclement has drawn sharp criticism from citizens, who accuse the regime of provoking unrest.
One concerned CRM militant expressed deep sadness over the situation at both Kamto’s home and the party headquarters. “Why couldn’t the government deploy security officers to ensure nothing happens during the convention?” the militant questioned.
A citizen named Emelda remarked, “The government continually provokes citizens, and when they react, they claim Cameroonians are being manipulated, when in fact they are the ones doing the manipulating. After stealing elections, they are still not satisfied. Let them allow Cameroonians to suffer in peace.”
Another citizen, Steven, questioned the government’s motivations: “Why is the government afraid? Do they have skeletons in their cupboard? The questions are numerous, but the government should be cautious—if they keep pushing Cameroonians to the wall, there will come a day when they will react, no matter how they try to bribe them.”
Prof. Kamto, who stepped down from party leadership last July to avoid legal issues related to his candidacy in the October 12 Presidential Election, ran under the MANIDEM banner after his resignation. However, his candidacy was ultimately rejected by the Constitutional Council.
With the authorities’ ban in place, the CRM faces a period of uncertainty just as the party attempts to solidify its leadership and internal organization. This administrative blockade marks a pivotal moment, occurring right before an electoral cycle in which the party aims to reposition itself on the national political stage.
