The Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM) has ignited controversy by inserting itself into the recent FENASSCO League A Games, an event traditionally reserved for secondary school athletes. The party’s presence has many questioning whether it was a veiled campaign rally.
MMI correspondent present at the games details CPDM militants from Limbe swarming Government High School Limbe during the games. The event also saw the participation of Minister Nalova Lyonga of Secondary Education and Minister Narcisse Mouelle Kombi of Sports and Physical Education, who jointly unveiled an Olympic monument and handed over the Olympic flames to the Limbe City Mayor.
The appearance of CPDM militants, clad in party attire and waving party flags, amidst the backdrop of the FENASSCO games and national/Olympic symbolism has raised concerns. With Cameroon hurtling towards presidential elections in 2025, speculation is rife that this may be part of the CPDM’s campaign strategy.
The 2025 elections will see Cameroonians casting ballots for president, parliamentarians, councilors, and presidents of regional councils. The CPDM recently celebrated its 39th anniversary on March 24, with widespread calls from party members for President Paul Biya to run for re-election. President Biya, who is currently 91 years old, has been in power since 1982.
The CPDM’s presence at the FENASSCO League has sparked debate about the appropriateness of politicising a student athletic event. Only time will tell if this is indeed a calculated campaign move by the CPDM.
