Cameroonian Federalists Warn of Investment Risks Following Election Postponement

The Coalition of Cameroon Federalist Groups and Activists (CCFGA) has expressed deep disappointment over the lack of street protests following the Biya regime’s decision to postpone legislative and municipal elections. The CCFGA, chaired by Michael Takie, has warned that this postponement will likely deter foreign investment and hinder the country’s economic growth.

The Biya regime’s move to delay the elections has been criticised as a strategic attempt to disqualify serious candidates and avoid a competitive presidential election. Michael Takie, a pioneer member of the West Cameroon Movement for Change (WCMC) and current chairman, has called on Cameroonians to exercise their constitutional right to protest such unpopular government actions.

“The postponement of these elections is a clear attempt to sideline strong candidates and manipulate the electoral process,” Takie stated. “We are committed to political change through the ballot box and, if necessary, through street protests to ensure that the rightful winner becomes president.”

In a press release titled “Re: Extension of the mandate of municipal councilors and members of parliament,” the CCFGA highlighted the absence of any significant crisis that could justify the election delay. The organisation stressed that the elections were originally scheduled well ahead of the next presidential election, making the postponement both unnecessary and detrimental to democratic principles.

“The scheduled elections were more than six months separated from the next election, thus there was no competing political event or serious crisis that warranted the postponement,” the statement read. “Given the obese majority of the CPDM in parliament, the unnecessary postponement could only be resisted by massive protests by Cameroonians.”

Takie emphasised that the postponement undermines Cameroon’s attractiveness to foreign investors and low-interest loan providers, further exacerbating the country’s economic challenges. He urged the Federalist opposition parties to unite and focus on ensuring a free, transparent, and competitive presidential election, with a return to federalism as a decisive issue.

“The recent statements by the minister of territorial administration, regarding the candidature of some opposition politicians for the office of president, suggest that the postponement is politically motivated,” Takie continued. “Despite the clear negative economic impact, this government has shown that its partisan and selfish calculations overshadow the common interests of Cameroonians.”

The CCFGA’s press statement also addressed the protracted conflict in the former Southern Cameroons, advocating for federalism as the solution. The organization called on all Cameroonians to recognise the importance of federalism in the upcoming presidential election and to engage in massive voter registration and participation.

“We call on all opposition parties to engage in or intensify the campaign for voter registration,” the statement urged. “Further, the CCFGA calls on responsible and federalist opposition parties to mutualize their efforts towards a successful presidential election.”

The statement concluded with a call for greater transparency and the independence of state institutions from the ruling party. It also urged all Cameroonians to fulfill their civic duties with urgency and pride, emphasising the need for a competitive and transparent electoral process to prevent conflicts and promote national unity.

“Cameroon has suffered for many decades,” Takie reflected. “Our political processes have not produced the transparent and competitive elections that could have prevented some conflicts, such as the separatist conflict. We invite all Cameroonians to join us in making it clear to the regime that this presidential election will be different.”

Mimi Mefo Info