What was intended to be a sports event for primary school pupils across Cameroon quickly turned into a political spectacle, with the spotlight shifted from young athletes to the campaign machinery of President Paul Biya. The 18th edition of the FENASCO League B games kicked off over the weekend in Limbe, a coastal town in the Southwest region. The week-long event, intended to showcase the talents of primary school pupils from various regions, instead became overshadowed by the presence of the ruling party, the Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM).
Before the event’s official launch on Sunday, the ceremony began with the passing of the Olympic flame to the Mayor of Limbe City Council. The event was held at the council’s premises, but it was not the neutral sports celebration it should have been. Party members, instead, prominently displayed their support for CPDM, wearing attire featuring the image of President Paul Biya and signalling the upcoming presidential election.
After receiving the Olympic flame from Laurent Serge Etoundi Ngoa, Minister of Basic Education, Limbe’s mayor paraded it before a chanting crowd of CPDM supporters, raising questions about the use of a national sporting event for partisan purposes.
A Colorful Display at Centenary Stadium – But Politicized
On Sunday, the official launch of the games took place at Centenary Stadium, with the Minister of Basic Education, Laurent Serge Etoundi Ngoa; the Minister of Sports and Physical Education, Narcisse Mouele Kombi; Secretary of State to the Ministry of Basic Education, Asheri Kilo; and Southwest Governor Bernard Okalia Bilai all in attendance. The event focused on the pupils and their achievements, but once again, it felt more like political theatre than a celebration of sportsmanship.
The students, many visiting Limbe for the first time, displayed enthusiasm and sportsmanship, yet their performance unfolded against a political backdrop. The vibrant choreography showcased the potential of these young athletes, but political figures overshadowed it, using the event for their gain.
Political Undertones
In his address, the Minister of Basic Education praised the event for helping to identify talented young athletes who could one day represent Cameroon on the national stage. However, his words seemed more like a thinly veiled attempt to link the success of the event to the successes of the current regime.
“We are very glad to see young girls play soccer so brilliantly. This selection process is the best way to spot talented players.” The minister said, adding, “With proper training, we hope to see them represent the national team in the coming months.” However, the context of this statement, considering the CPDM’s constant involvement, made it hard to overlook the political undertones.
The theme for this year’s edition, “Primary School Sports: Abiding Factor for Living Together in Peace and Unity for an Emerging Cameroon,” may have sounded noble, but in practice, the event seemed more like a political rally than a celebration of youth sports.
Taking place while pupils are still on their Easter break, the event has become a platform for political messaging rather than an opportunity for genuine youth development. It is also worth noting that this is the second consecutive year Limbe has hosted the FENASCO League B games, following last year’s FENASCO League A games. The event that once promoted sports among young people now increasingly acts as a vehicle for political gain, leading many to question whether it has lost its true purpose.
