Tensions Rise in Cameroon as Police Block Opposition Leader Kamto’s Movements
Cameroon’s main opposition figure, Maurice Kamto, has accused police of blocking him from leaving his residence in Douala for two consecutive days, following his return from a political rally in France that angered ruling party officials.
Kamto, the 71-year-old leader of the Cameroon Renaissance Movement (CRM) and a former law professor, said security forces prevented him from attending a planned party meeting. He later canceled Monday’s gathering, citing the heavy police presence and restrictions.
Kamto is preparing to challenge President Paul Biya, who has ruled the country for over four decades, in this year’s upcoming election. Although Biya has not yet announced his candidacy, Kamto’s return and rising support have stirred visible tensions.
During a rally in Paris on May 31, Kamto pledged protection for Biya and his family if he wins. “Nothing will happen to Mr. Biya and his family—I have no time for hatred, only time to rebuild Cameroon,” he told cheering supporters. His statement was met with mockery by ruling party members, including Labour Minister Grégoire Owona, who dismissed the need for such “protection” and claimed Cameroon was not in danger.
Following his return, officers restricted Kamto’s movements and blocked access to CRM’s local headquarters. Police claimed the planned party meeting was unauthorized, while Kamto argued that proper notifications had been given to the authorities.
Videos from Sunday evening showed Kamto speaking to his supporters outside, saying, “As I speak, I’m still sequestered,” before urging them to disperse peacefully.
This incident highlights the increasing pressure faced by opposition figures in Cameroon. Rights groups have consistently criticized the government’s crackdown on dissent, especially as the election season draws near. Parliamentary elections originally scheduled for this year have already been delayed until 2026.
Kamto previously spent nine months in detention following the 2018 elections, after protesting alleged vote-rigging in favor of President Biya—claims the government denied.
Adding to the political drama is Kamto’s eligibility. Cameroonian law requires a presidential candidate’s party to have elected officials in office. CRM currently has none. Alternatively, Kamto could run as an independent if he collects 300 endorsements from recognized figures across the country. Kamto, however, insists there’s no legal barrier preventing his candidacy.
CRM spokesperson Guy Tassé accused the ruling regime of trying to block Kamto out of fear, saying, “He represents real change.”
Meanwhile, Cameroon continues to battle a separatist insurgency in its Anglophone regions, which has claimed over 6,000 lives and displaced hundreds of thousands in nearly a decade.
With uncertainty around Biya’s intentions and increased security clampdowns on the opposition, Cameroon is bracing for a tense election season.https://www.dw.com/en/kamto-why-should-i-be-victimized-in-this-manner/video-55208952
