700 CPDM Members Join UNDP in Mada, Triggering Administrative Crackdown

In Makary, a town in Cameroon’s Logone-et-Chari division, growing tensions between administrative authorities and activists of the National Union for Democracy and Progress (UNDP) have stirred public concern following a wave of defections from the ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM).

According to local party figures, a total of 700 RDPC members from the town of Mada, roughly 10 kilometers from Makary, have officially switched allegiance to the UNDP. A delegation from Kousseri was scheduled to formally welcome the new members during a public ceremony.

Administrative Approval Withdrawn at the Last Minute

Organizers of the UNDP event claim to have followed all legal procedures. A request for a public gathering permit was submitted to the Makary sub-prefecture, and a receipt was issued confirming its submission. Four days later, a formal authorization was granted.

However, less than 24 hours before the planned event, a sudden reversal came in the form of a written notification signed by the Deputy Sub-prefect of Makary, revoking the permit. The stated reason: a “risk of public disorder.”

“We had everything approved and planned. Then they cancel it just hours before,” said Abakar Mahamat, a local UNDP organizer. “It feels more like political pressure than a genuine security concern.”

UNDP Supporters Protest Permit Cancellation

On the day the ceremony was to take place, frustrated UNDP supporters gathered in front of the sub-prefecture to express their discontent. They accused local officials of political interference aimed at discouraging defections from the CPDM.

Witnesses report that the Deputy Sub-prefect was notably absent during the protest and reportedly avoided contact with demonstrators.

“People came in peace to exercise their political rights,” said Fatimé Zara, a new UNDP member. “Instead, the administration responded by shutting the door.”

Political Climate Heats Up Ahead of Elections

The Mada incident has exposed simmering tensions in Logone-et-Chari, a region historically significant in Cameroon’s political landscape. As national elections approach, local power dynamics appear increasingly volatile.

“This is more than just an administrative issue,” said a political analyst in Maroua who requested anonymity. “It reflects the underlying competition and the strain within ruling party structures, especially in areas where alternative voices are gaining ground.”

The unfolding situation in Makary underscores the complexities of political engagement in Cameroon’s Far North. While legal frameworks exist for party activities, the interpretation and enforcement of those laws remain uneven, often shaped by local political pressures. With elections on the horizon, such incidents may signal deeper shifts in regional political alignments.

MMI