President Paul Biya has appointed some prominent traditional rulers, including the Fon of Mankon, the Sultan of Bamoun, and the Lamidos of Maroua and Garoua, into the decision-making organ of his party, the Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM).
These traditional rulers were appointed alongside business moguls, ministers, and top-ranking government officials into the CPDM Central Committee in a release dated March 25, which became public on March 27.
The appointments came a day after the party celebrated its 40th anniversary, during which militants urged Biya, 92, to seek another term.
Across the country, they promised to grant him a landslide victory and extend the regime’s 42-year hold on power.
The newly appointed Central Committee members of the CPDM will play a vital role in the October presidential election.
Among other tasks, they will design the party’s campaign strategy, implement the CPDM’s vision in their areas, and coordinate election funding.
Among the appointees is the revered Fon of the Mankon people in the North West, HRM Angwafor Fru Asa.
The Kingdom of Mankon has historically supported Biya’s lengthy stay in power.
The late Fon, HRM Angwafor III, was the national vice-president of the CPDM from 1990 until his ‘disappearance’ in 2022.
Fon Angwafor III was among the most powerful kings in the English-speaking regions of Cameroon, and he strongly opposed the secessionist movements of Anglophone separatists.
His son will now continue his legacy within the CPDM after his appointment into its decision-making body.
Other prominent traditional rulers joining the central committee include the King of the Bamoun, Sultan Nabil Mbombo Njoya; the Lamido of Maroua, HRM Abdoulaye Yerima Bakari; and the Lamido of Garoua, Ibrahim El Rachidine.
These kings command great respect within their communities. However, Cameroonians have grown critical of traditional rulers’ increasing involvement in partisan politics.
This was after the national association of traditional rulers endorsed Biya for reelection.
Biya’s appointment of chiefs into his party further opposes the notion of political neutrality among traditional leaders.
Ministers Who Gained Promotion
Aside from traditional rulers, Biya also appointed several cabinet ministers into the CPDM’s top body. Among them are:
- Nalova Lyonga – Minister of Secondary Education
- Joseph Beti Asomo – Minister of Defence
- Minette Libom Likeng – Minister of Posts and Telecommunications
- Jean Massina Ngalle Bibehe – Minister of Transport
- Gabriel Mbairobe – Minister of Agriculture
- Paul Irene Nguene – Minister of Social Affairs
- Joseph Le – Minister of Public Service
- Dr Taiga – Minister of Fisheries
Heads of key state structures have equally been appointed, among them:
- Francis Fai Yengo – Head of Disarmament Center
- Judith Yah Sunday – Head of CAMTEL
- Mbah Acha Rose – Head of Supreme State Audit
- Véronique Moampea Mbio – Head of Cameroon Oil Depot Company (SCDP)
- Jean-Fabien Monkam Nitcheu – Former Chairman of SCDP
- Prof Nanfoso Roger – Rector of the University of Dschang
Biya Furnishes CPDM With Billionaires
President Biya furnished the CPDM Central Committee with a number of business moguls, who are known for supporting the regime. These affluent individuals would certainly offer huge sums to fund the CPDM’s campaign and activities for the upcoming presidential election.
Billionaire Bernard Fongang is among the appointees. He owns Planet Hotel in Douala and serves as CEO of SOTRAFIC SARL, a company that specializes in construction and industrial supplies. Fongang also represented Hauts Plateaux Division (West Region) in Parliament under the CPDM.
Also appointed is Albert Kouinche, CEO of Express Union and Member of Parliament for Koung-Khi, West Region. Kouinche is a top executive at Crédit Foncier Camerounais and owns “Le Méridien” hotel in Yaoundé, in addition to heading the Cameroon Equipment Company (SCE).
Another appointee is billionaire businessman Aboubakar al-Fatih, CEO of Cameroun Vert SA. His company faced controversy in 2020 over an attempt to seize 60,000 hectares of land in the South Region for an industrial palm oil plantation. He also runs the timber company Bois du Cameroun (BOISCAM).
Moctar Hamadama, a key industrial figure in the Adamawa Region and former vice president of the Cameroon Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Crafts, has also been appointed.
Other Appointees
Paul Biya also appointed some influential figures in government and the CPDM, including:
- Innocent Ndilassi – Secretary General at the Ministry of State Property, Surveys, and Land Tenure
- Ndjodom Armand – Secretary of State to the Minister of Public Works
- Marthe Félicité Zintchem a Bodio – Mayor of Bafia, Centre Region
- Njiemoun Mama – Deputy Secretary for Specialized Organizations of the CPDM Central Committee
