Some 37 members of the Cameroon National Reconciliation Party (PCRN) crossed the carpet to the Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement, the state media, CRTV, has reported.
This happened Monday, March 24, in Campo in the Ocean Division of the south region, which is President Paul Biya’s region of origin. It was during celebrations marking the 40th anniversary of the CPDM party.
The members of Hon. Cabral Libii’s party reportedly decamped because of the admiration they have for the ruling party.
They believe in the vision of President Paul Biya, who is likely to stand for the presidential election in October.
His party, the CPDM, just celebrated its 40th anniversary since transitioning from the Cameroon National Union in 1984 at the Bamenda Congress Hall.
CPDM 40th Anniversary of Awareness
During the commemoration at the party’s headquarters in Yaoundé, CPDM Secretary General, Jean Nkuete, said 2025 is a year of awareness.
“Ultimately, 40 is an age of awareness because, at that age, we fully grasp our destiny, knowing how to better appreciate our history and appropriately redirect our trajectory,” he said.
The SG said the celebration offers them an opportunity to revisit the past, looking at challenges and gains.
“So, have the fruits of our militant commitment truly lived up to the promise of the flowers that bloomed at the birth of our party in the highlands of Mezam? Some might ask. Let me tell you with the greatest emotion that on this fortieth anniversary celebration, when we juxtapose the different moments of our journey and place the sequences of our itinerary together, we have every right to be proud of what we have become, namely, without any pretension: the party of Cameroon’s greatness and the hope of the vast majority of our compatriots.”
To him, with Paul Biya at the helm, the CPDM has achieved an undeniable political and human maturity that allows it to continually readjust to others and to be wary of irrevocable verdicts.
“This is also the occasion for me to solemnly express our deep gratitude to the grassroots activists, leaders at all levels, voters, supporters, friends and allies, partners and supporters—in short, to all our compatriots who have continued to place their trust in us throughout the past forty years,” he said.
‘No One is Better Than Biya’
According to him, President Paul Biya has unparalleled experience, mastery of the mysteries of Cameroon and the world, and humanity.
He added that Biya is committed to the continuous improvement of the living conditions of Cameroonians, but above all, in light of his unwavering passion for young people.
“Yes, I confirm: there is no one better than President Paul Biya to meet the expectations of young people. These young people are also called upon to lead the next forty years of the CPDM,” Jean Nkuete stated.
“In any case, let us stand resolutely ready, with all our compatriots of goodwill, to write the next pages of Cameroon’s future with President Paul Biya, in peace and with respect for institutions. It is true that the doors of the future only open to those who know how and can push them open.”
Key militants of the CPDM party echoed also pledged their support for Biya, amongst them Ibrahim Talba Malla, Minister of Public Contracts; Minister Jacques Fame Ndongo of Higher Education; and Minister Bidoung Mpatt of Arts and Culture.
According to Bidoung Mpatt, for 40 years, the CPDM, guided by the far-sighted vision of its national president, has remained committed to the wellbeing of Cameroonians.
“Through tangible achievements, the party has placed the aspirations of young people, women, and the most vulnerable at the heart of its action, transforming promises into lasting progress,” he said.
