The National Assembly Speaker, Cavaye Yegui Djibril, has dismissed concerns over the banned opposition coalition in Cameroon, stating that the ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM) remains the “majority” force in the country.
Speaker Cavaye’s remarks came on April 3, at the end of the March 2024 session of Parliament, marking exactly one month since its opening.
The session saw his re-election as Speaker, a position the 84-year-old has held since 1992.
“As usual and in parallel with our work, certain news has broken the record in our country. We have also heard plenty of talk about the alliance and transition in Cameroon. Assuming that both concepts apply to the political field, especially in view of the upcoming election deadlines, such initiatives should not worry the majority, in this case, my Party, the Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement,” Hon. Cavaye said.
He was certainly referring to the Political Alliance for Change, led by Jean-Michel Nintcheu, and the Political Alliance for Transition in Cameroon, led by Olivier Bile.
The two alliances were outlawed on March 12 by Minister of Territorial Administration Paul Atanga Nji, who deemed them “illegal” and “clandestine movements”.
Their aim, as earlier explained by opposition leader Maurice Kamto, who was one of their advocates, was to galvanize opposition forces to challenge President Paul Biya’s long-standing rule in the upcoming 2025 elections.
Despite criticism from legal experts and opposition figures, including human rights activist Emmanuel Simh, who denounced the ban as an attempt to stifle dissent, the government stood firm in its decision.
Barrister Simh told Human Rights Watch that the ban was “not based on any legal texts” and that “no law in Cameroon prevents legally established parties from getting together to establish a coalition.”.
He said it was “just repression and another attempt to muzzle the opposition” ahead of the 2025 elections.
Cavaye Yegui Djibril’s rare intervention on political matters has sparked interest, particularly as he is often perceived as avoiding discussions on pertinent issues in Cameroon.
During his 42 years as Speaker, critics have accused him of stifling opposition voices within Parliament, particularly on critical issues like the ongoing conflict in the English-speaking regions.
Parliament has been aloof to pertinent economic, social and political issues in the country.
His assertion of the CPDM’s majority status mirrors the party’s overwhelming presence in both the National Assembly and the Senate.
With 84 percent of seats in the National Assembly and complete control of elected seats in the Senate, the CPDM has consolidated its political dominance.
As Cameroon approaches the 2025 elections, the balance of power between the ruling party and the opposition remains an important point of national discourse.
Observers say the opposition will be contesting against the CPDM from a point of weakness, and an active opposition coalition could turn the tables around.
