Politics
A tense standoff unfolded late Thursday morning in Douala's Akwa district as hundreds of motorcycle taxi riders (locally known as benskinneurs) blocked traffic along the axis between Salle des Fêtes d’Akwa and Ancien Mobile Bonakouamouang. The protest erupted around 11:00 AM in defiance of a controversial measure imposed by the Douala Urban Community requiring all motorcycle taxi riders to wear official vests (chasubles) to operate.
Tensions escalated rapidly after security forces launched a crackdown, confiscating motorcycles from drivers found without the mandated vests. The operation, backed by gendarmes, provoked outrage among the riders and bystanders, turning a routine enforcement measure into a flashpoint for civil unrest.
Gendarmerie units on the ground, overwhelmed by the resistance, reportedly called for reinforcements to contain the chaos and re-establish order. As of this writing, the situation remains volatile, with a high risk of violent confrontation between protesters and the security forces.
A Nation on Edge
This latest flare-up comes amid a broader climate of unrest and repression across Cameroon. The commercial capital of Douala has been under tight security since the weekend, following the forced house arrest and subsequent escort of opposition leader Prof. Maurice Kamto by heavily armed forces. Kamto’s supporters—many of whom have been arrested or silenced—accuse the Biya regime of orchestrating a targeted campaign of political intimidation ahead of the upcoming October presidential election.
In the Anglophone regions, armed conflict persists, with separatist violence and military reprisals continuing unabated. In the Far North, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) attacks have added another layer of insecurity.
The Akwa moto-taxi protests, though sparked by a seemingly local issue, reflect the deepening frustration and explosive social pressure gripping Cameroonians across regions and sectors. What begins as a protest against vests today could quickly merge into the broader outcry against decades of authoritarian rule, economic despair, and institutionalized suppression of dissent.
- Details
- News Team
- Hits: 1587
Douala, Cameroon — June 9, 2025 — The Biya regime is once again resorting to authoritarian tactics, launching an aggressive campaign to silence dissent ahead of the October 5 presidential election.
- Details
- News Team
- Hits: 11835
Douala, Cameroon — June 9, 2025 — The streets of Douala have turned into a militarized zone. More than 100 members and supporters of the Cameroon Renaissance Movement (CRM/MRC) have been arrested between Sunday and Monday, dozens of others injured or blocked, and the entire Bonapriso neighborhood placed under siege by security forces. All of this, triggered by the presence of one man: Professor Maurice Kamto.
- Details
- News Team
- Hits: 3684
The Trump administration has formally announced the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Cameroonian nationals living in the United States, a move expected to affect thousands of Cameroonians, especially those in Texas, home to one of the largest Cameroonian communities in the U.S.
- Details
- News Team
- Hits: 1704
YAOUNDÉ, June 5, 2025 — Cameroonians can breathe a sigh of relief — for now. U.S. President Donald Trump has signed a sweeping travel ban targeting 19 countries, most of them in Africa, but Cameroon has not been included on the list.
- Details
- News Team
- Hits: 3887
In a charged political season where every gesture is magnified, Maurice Kamto’s rally on May 31 at Place de la République in Paris has sparked a storm of reactions—both admiration and contempt.
- Details
- News Team
- Hits: 2535
Subcategories
Biya Article Count: 73
# Paul Biya and his regime
Explore the political landscape of Cameroon under the rule of Paul Biya, the longest-serving president in Africa who has been in power since 1982. Our Paul Biya and his regime section examines the policies, actions, and controversies of his government, as well as the opposition movements, civil society groups, and international actors that challenge or support his leadership. You'll also find profiles, interviews, and opinions on the key figures and events that shape the political dynamics of Cameroon.
Southern Cameroons Article Count: 549
.# Southern Cameroons, Ambazonia
Learn more about the history, culture, and politics of Ambazonia, the Anglophone regions of Cameroon that have been seeking self-determination and independence from the Francophone-dominated central government. Our Southern Cameroons section covers the ongoing conflict, the humanitarian crisis, the human rights violations, and the peace efforts in the region. You'll also find stories that highlight the rich and diverse heritage, traditions, and aspirations of the Southern Cameroonian people.
Editorial Article Count: 885
# Opinion
Get insights and perspectives on the issues that matter to Cameroon and the world with our opinion section. We feature opinions from our editors, columnists, and guest writers, who share their views and analysis on various topics, such as politics, economy, culture, and society. Our opinion section also welcomes contributions from our readers, who can submit their own opinions and comments. Join the conversation and express your opinions with our opinion section.
Boko Haram Article Count: 498
