Cameroon Investigates Opposition Leader Over ‘80% Complete’ Plan to Overthrow Biya Regime

“80% XXL” Rebellion Plan?

In a fiery appearance on Equinoxe TV on June 29, Ousmane Mey claimed that his plan to overthrow the current regime was "already 80% complete." He warned government officials not to interfere, asserting that his “movement for political transition” would succeed — with or without the state’s approval.

These statements triggered swift backlash from Paul Atanga Nji, the controversial Minister of Territorial Administration. In an urgent letter issued on July 7, Atanga Nji described Mey’s remarks as subversive, defamatory, and a serious threat to public order. He accused the opposition figure of trying to destabilize the Republic and ordered a formal administrative investigation.

Targeting the Minister

During the same TV appearance, Aboubakar Ousmane Mey also accused Minister Atanga Nji of orchestrating an assault against a ruling party (RDPC) activist in Mezam — a claim the ministry called "scandalous" and part of a larger campaign to discredit state institutions.

MINAT Responds

The Ministry of Territorial Administration released a communiqué describing Mey as an "unscrupulous individual" spreading chaos and attempting to manipulate public opinion ahead of the election. The ministry stated that law enforcement and security agencies have been tasked with investigating Mey’s statements and activities.

The official memo was copied to top government offices, including the Secretary General of the Presidency, the Prime Minister’s Office, the National Gendarmerie, national police, and regional governors.

Mounting Pressure Ahead of Elections

This controversy adds fuel to growing political tension in Cameroon, where President Paul Biya, in power since 1982, is expected to seek another term despite serious questions about his health and leadership visibility.

Several former ministers, including Issa Tchiroma Bakary and Bello Bouba Maïgari, have declared independent candidacies — effectively breaking ranks with the ruling RDPC. The emergence of challengers like Ousmane Mey, despite their lack of party infrastructure, reflects a rising appetite for political change in a country long ruled by one man.

However, critics argue that the government's response — including the use of administrative investigations — signals a deeper unwillingness to tolerate dissent or open democratic competition.