Cameroon: Rising Political Tensions, Fracturing Alliances, and Ongoing Security Challenges Ahead of Presidential Polls

With just three months to the October 5 presidential election, political tensions are escalating across Cameroon amid signs of internal fractures within President Paul Biya’s ruling coalition.

Meanwhile, Anglophone separatists have scaled back attacks in the North West and South West, although security challenges persist in the Far North where jihadist activity remains active.

Government Blocks Opposition Rally, Supporters Defy Security

From June 7 to 8, Cameroonian security forces blocked traffic in parts of Douala and prevented Maurice Kamto, leader of the Cameroon Renaissance Movement (CRM), from holding a planned meeting with party members. Despite heavy security, hundreds of Kamto’s supporters breached the cordon and gathered outside the party’s local office in defiance.

The clampdown reflects a tightening political atmosphere as the country awaits President Biya’s anticipated re-election bid announcement, expected by July 12.

Cracks Widen in Biya’s Northern Support Base

The ruling CPDM coalition is showing signs of internal rupture, particularly in Cameroon’s north, historically crucial for Biya’s electoral dominance. On June 14, Employment Minister Issa Tchiroma Bakary, head of the Cameroon National Salvation Front, publicly urged his supporters in Garoua not to support the incumbent. He resigned from government on June 23 and declared his presidential candidacy two days later.

Tourism Minister Bello Bouba Maïgari, leader of the National Union for Democracy and Progress, also announced his own presidential bid on June 28. His party holds significant influence in northern Cameroon.

In a notable development from the south, Biya’s home region, eight prominent figures on June 18 issued a joint call urging fellow southerners to prioritise national unity over ethnic loyalty, signalling growing discontent even within Biya’s traditional base.

Anglophone Separatists Scale Back Attacks, But Violence Persists

While June saw a relative decline in separatist attacks, likely as a strategic pause ahead of the elections, deadly incidents still occurred. On June 18, separatist fighters ambushed a military truck in Magba, in the West region bordering the Anglophone zones, killing three soldiers.

In another incident, suspected separatists overnight from June 29 to 30 reportedly killed four soldiers in Wum, North West region. Analysts suggest the lull in attacks may be temporary, with a resurgence likely as the election nears.

Boko Haram Resurgence in the Far North

In the Far North, violence remains unabated. On June 8, a drone strike attributed to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) targeted the Sagmé military post near the Nigerian border, killing five Cameroonian soldiers. Days later, on June 13, the Bakura faction of Boko Haram abducted six civilians in Darak, also in the Logone-et-Chari division.

These persistent threats add further strain to the government’s security apparatus as it prepares for a tense electoral period.

---

Cameroon Concord will continue to monitor political and security developments across the country as the presidential election approaches.

---