In what looks like a response to Maurice Kamto’s suppressed rally in Douala, President Paul Biya has said access to political office in Cameroon is not through street protest or the social media.
“Needless to recall that, in a democracy, access to political office is secured through the ballot box and not through the street, certain media organs or social media networks,” posted the 92-year-old on his social media handles on Tuesday.
The statement was one of numerous statements that have inundated President Biya’s social media profiles in the past few months, as the nation prepares for a presidential election in October.
Although Biya did not mention any names in this particular message, it is suspected to be linked to the showdown between Maurice Kamto’s supporters and police officers in Douala on Sunday.
The peaceful clash saw armed police officers block thousands of Kamto supporters from approaching his residence as well as his Cameroon Renaissance Movement party headquarters in Douala.
Kamto himself was placed under house arrest on the orders of the government and prevented from meeting with his supporters.
He had planned to meet with his supporters after returning from Paris, France, where he held a major political rally.
However, the Cameroonian police and gendarmes refuse to let this happen in Douala.
Movement Halted
Ahead of Kamto’s return, the SDO of Wouri banned the circulation of bikes in certain parts of Douala.
While he justified the ban as a measure to maintain public peace, critics perceived it as a tactic to prevent citizens from supporting Kamto.
On Sunday, the police blocked certain areas, barring people from accessing the CRM headquarters at Deido.
Unable to leave his premises for two days, Maurice Kamto left for Yaoundé on Monday evening under police escort.
Biya Suddenly Cares
It might appear Kamto’s rallies are giving the Biya regime sleepless nights.
Following his meeting in France, authorities tried to rubbish him, especially as he said he would protect Biya and his family if elected in October.
Biya sees Maurice Kamto’s rallies as an attempt to gain power through street appeals.
His message suggests Kamto or other opposition figures should hold no public rallies or media events prior to the 2025 election but should only trust in the ballot box.
Critics say Paul Biya could be trying to force his ways on Kamto and other politicians in Cameroon.
For over 42 years in power, Biya has won elections (the opposition always accuses him of rigging them) without holding public rallies or engaging with journalists.
The President does not answer questions from journalists except when a foreign official visits Cameroon or he goes out to vote during presidential elections.
The only media that covers the state house is the state broadcaster, CRTV.
Biya himself did not get to power in 1982 through the ballot box, which he claims is the only legitimate way to power.
For years now, many Cameroonians have grown sceptical of the ballot box as a way of effecting regime change, after observers consistently declared previous elections were not free and fair.
