By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo
Opposition leader Prof. Maurice Kamto has stated that, in response to what he described as an “ongoing Constitutional and Institutional Coup d’État” in the country, an online petition campaign will be launched so Cameroonians of all political affiliation can make their voices heard.
In a statement released Friday, April 3 and widely circulated on social media, Prof. Kamto said the initiative is intended to unite citizens across the political spectrum to challenge recent government actions that he argues have undermined the nation’s democratic legitimacy.
“We will launch an online petition campaign so that Cameroonians, regardless of their political affiliation, can make their voices heard,” Prof. Kamto said. He stressed that the sovereign people must ultimately decide who has the right to lead the country’s institutions.
Prof. Kamto’s statements are coming on the heels of a series of controversial Legislative maneuvers by the Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM). He specifically highlighted the repeated extensions of mandates for members of parliament and municipal councilors, which has effectively postponed local elections.
He also criticized a new bill introduced by the incumbent administration to revise the constitution (the bill which was adopted on April 4). The proposed changes include the creation of a vice-presidential position. Under the new rules, this official would be appointed rather than elected and could replace the president at any time.
Prof. Kamto likened this move to a “constitutional loophole” that allows for a transfer of power without the consent of the voters. He argued that the revision effectively transforms the republic into a “republican monarchy” or a “nepotistic dynasty as an appointed vice president could name another.
He pointed out that no “debate was organized by the Government to inform the public about the ongoing upheavals. There was no explanation, nor the slightest consultation or involvement of the country’s political forces.” To him, such a major shift, he argued, should have gone to a referendum so the people could decide.
“What is underway is indeed an unconstitutional power grab, condemned by the legal instruments of the African Union,” Prof. Kamto stated. He expressed concern that the new Vice-President would allow individuals who have never held elected office to become the head of state and commander-in-chief of the armed forces.
“We thus find ourselves in a situation where the current government lacks all legitimacy and, in principle, can no longer govern the country,” he said. “In short, today in our country, neither the President of the Republic, nor the members of parliament, nor the municipal councilors, nor the regional councilors are legitimate.”
Concerning the bill repeated extension of mandates, Prof. Kamto said, these delays are a calculated effort by the ruling party to avoid an electoral defeat. He noted that the current government has created a situation where national and local institutions lack popular support.
Despite the challenges, Prof. Kamto urged his fellow citizens to remain confident. He insisted that the work done by the opposition over the last decade has already proven that the ruling party can be defeated at the ballot box.
“The CPDM regime believes it has entrenched itself forever, but it is mistaken,” Prof. Kamto said. “It will understand that in a republic, power comes from the people.”
