By Daniel D.
The Social Democratic Front (SDF) faced yet another instance of political intimidation in Cameroon as pro-CPDM youths blocked the SDF Chairman, Joshua Osih, and his delegation from accessing President Paul Biya’s home region.
The incident occurred on Sunday, May 5, as Osih led a delegation of SDF militants on an assessment tour in preparation for the 2025 elections.
Despite securing authorization from the Divisional Officer, the delegation was barred from entering Biwong Bulu Subdivision, located approximately 31 kilometers from Ebolowa, the South Regional capital.
The blockade took place in Nsongkwe village along the road linking Ebolowa and Biwong Bane, the headquarters of Biwong Bulu Subdivision.
The irate youths, some of who were holding the Cameroon flag, claimed the constituency was the CPDM’s stronghold and deemed it unsuitable for visitors from the opposition.
SDF National Secretary of Political Education and Training, Muma Yvonne, who was part of the delegation, told The Post newspaper that the blockade persisted for several hours, with Gendarme officers present but taking no action to intervene.
Even the arrival of the Gendarmerie company commander failed to deter the youths, and the Divisional Officer for Biwong Bulu, despite being called to the scene, did not intervene as promised.
After waiting for approximately three hours, the SDF militants who were expecting the delegation had to come to meet Osih, South Regional Chair of SDF, Felix Gildas Mbia, and other delegation members at Nsongkwe.
Despite the obstruction, Osih maintained a peaceful approach, and thanked the protestors for their actions.
“The chairman thanked them for blocking the road,” said Muma Yvonne.
The incident raises questions about what would happen if the roles were reversed, with the opposition blocking CPDM activities.
This instance of intimidation adds to a long history of political oppression in Cameroon, particularly against opposition parties.
Members of the Cameroon Renaissance Movement (CRM) were subjected to teargas, violence, and imprisonment following the disputed 2018 presidential elections.
The SDF has also faced similar treatment since its formation in 1990, with party members killed, jailed, and even the late Chairman Fru Ndi placed under house arrest.
In another incident before the 2018 presidential elections, the late Mayor Ekema Patrick held an SDF delegation to Buea hostage in a hotel.
All these actions often occur with the complicity of security officers, highlighting the challenges facing political opposition in Cameroon.
