Atanga Nji: Biya’s Crisis Manager or Spoiler?

Following post-election violence, Paul Biya’s Minister of Territorial Administration, Paul Atanga Nji, embarked on a visit to the Adamawa, Far North, North, and Littoral regions to assess the security situation. Several notable issues emerged during his tour.

In Adamawa, he stated he had come to present the government’s account of what transpired during the election period. However, instead of addressing the election irregularities that drove people to the streets, his comments appeared to add insult to injury. He claimed the protesting youths were influenced by drugs and alcohol. Furthermore, he repeatedly used phrases like “enemies of the nation,” creating the impression that anyone who protests against bad governance is automatically an enemy of Biya’s government.

Selective Freedom

During his trips, Atanga Nji ordered the release of minors arrested in the context of the post-election violence. This action, however, does not solve the underlying problem. MMI reported cases from other parts of the country where people protested the continued detention of those arrested. The Union for Change, which backed the candidacy of Issa Tchiroma Bakary—who has claimed victory in the October 12 presidential election—reported that hundreds of people have been jailed following the election violence.

Distribution of Copies of Biya’s Speech

In an age of digitalization, Atanga Nji seems to prefer an analog approach. While Paul Biya’s speech was broadcast on TV and streamed online, many Cameroonians could not access it due to the government’s own failed policies. Internet connectivity was drastically slow during the election period, making online streaming difficult. Furthermore, electricity cuts have plagued several parts of Cameroon, meaning even those with televisions often could not watch. To Atanga Nji, it seemed, the public needed to receive the speech at all costs because they had been unable to hear it the first time.