In a recent development, the Minister of Territorial Administration, Paul Atanga Nji, officially recognised Robert Kona as the founder of the Cameroon Party for National Reconciliation (PCRN), a move that has intensified the ongoing leadership conflict within the party.
The Honourable Cabral Libii has, therefore, become the latest victim of government interference in the internal affairs of opposition political parties.
The internal strife within PCRN has been brewing for some time, with disputes over leadership roles between the well-known Cabral Libii and Robert Kona.
While the party was initially created by individuals including Robert Kona and Madame Albert Fleuri, it later saw Cabral Libii rise to prominence.
Libii, who became the party’s flag bearer in the 2018 presidential election, subsequently secured a seat as a Member of Parliament under the PCRN banner.
However, tensions escalated when Robert Kona re-emerged, laying claim to the leadership of the party. Libii and Kona have expelled each other from the party.
Amid this power struggle, Minister Atanga Nji has thrown his weight behind Kona.
On May 15, 2024, Atanga Nji addressed a letter to the Director General of Elections Cameroon (Elecam), recognising Kona as the rightful leader of PCRN.
“I have the honour to inform you that the political party called the Cameroonian Party for National Reconciliation (PCRN) has as its Founding President Mr. Kona Robert. Please accept, Mr. Director General, the assurance of my distinguished consideration,” the Minister stated.
This intervention comes despite an ongoing court case in the Adamawa Region, which is yet to resolve the leadership dispute within PCRN.
Critics argue that Atanga Nji’s involvement is a blatant example of governmental overreach in the affairs of opposition parties, a pattern observed in his past actions.
Atanga Nji’s history of interference includes a notable incident with the Cameroon People’s Party (CPP).
A few years ago, he recognised Samuel Tita Fon as the leader over Kah Walla, the party’s candidate in the 2011 presidential elections.
After a prolonged legal battle, the court eventually ruled in favour of Walla, marking a significant defeat for Atanga Nji.
Observers believe that if the court in Adamawa sides with Cabral Libii, it will mark another defeat for the minister.
Prominent figures, including Kah Walla, have condemned Atanga Nji’s latest move, warning of its broader implications.
“This violence will get worse if we don’t act. It deserves our full attention. Have no illusions; it will not be limited to the PCRN. It swept over the CPP precisely in the pre-electoral period,” Walla stated.
