Cameroon: Minister of Territorial Administration Clashes with Political Movements

In a recent press release, the Minister of Territorial Administration, Paul Atanga Nji, issued a stern warning to two political movements, the Political Alliance for Change (APC) and the Alliance for a Political Transition in Cameroon (ATPC).

The minister threatened to treat any attempt by these movements to organize activities under their name as "a casus belli," signaling a potential escalation of tensions.

Questioning the Legitimacy of Political Movements

Minister Atanga Nji asserts that the APC and ATP do not meet the criteria to be recognized as political parties under the law of December 1990. He deems them "clandestine" and insists that they cannot carry out activities akin to political parties, including holding press conferences and recruiting new members.

Crackdown on Political Dissent

The minister's warning comes in response to recent activities by the APC and ATP, including meetings with separatist leader Ayuk Tabe and discussions about the Anglophone crisis. Minister Atanga Nji condemns such actions, stating that being a parliamentarian or politician does not grant immunity to defy state authority or incite rebellion.

Political Ambitions and Government Resistance

The APC, led by deputy Jean-Michel Nintcheu, aims to unite political forces behind the candidacy of Maurice Kamto in the upcoming 2025 presidential election. Similarly, the ATP, led by professor Olivier Bile, seeks either a transition period from 2025 or a unified opposition candidacy for the presidency. These initiatives are met with resistance from Minister Atanga Nji, who appears uncomfortable with discussions about political transition while President Paul Biya remains in power.

Silencing Transition Talks

Some observers interpret Minister Atanga Nji's actions as an attempt to suppress discussions about political transition in Cameroon. By cracking down on the APC and ATP, the minister may be seeking to quash emerging debates about the country's political future.

As tensions rise between the government and these political movements, the fate of Cameroon's democratic aspirations hangs in the balance. Will dissent be silenced, or will calls for change prevail? The coming months will provide answers to these critical questions.