By Njodzeka Kernyuy
Pierre Kwemo, presidential candidate of the Union des Mouvements Socialistes, says no amount of Internet and electricity challenges will stop his campaign to become Cameroon’s third President.
Over the past week, his party’s rallies in Yagoua and Mokolo, in the Far North Region, were partially disrupted due to power cuts and poor Internet connectivity.
Since being confirmed as one of 12 candidates for the upcoming October 12 election, Kwemo has broadcast all his rallies live online—an initiative that relies heavily on stable Internet and electricity. That strategy had gone smoothly until this past weekend.
In Mokolo, the rally could not be streamed live because of the absence of Internet connectivity. Later in Yagoua, a sudden blackout interrupted another campaign event.
“We had barely begun to deliver our message when the power went out,” Kwemo said, adding, “This will not prevent us from communicating with our activists. We remain mobilised for the people.”
Cabral Libii Faces Similar Constraints
Meanwhile, Cabral Libii, presidential candidate of the Cameroon Party for National Reconciliation (PCRN), encountered similar difficulties during his tour of Lekie Division on the Centre Region.
In Ntsan Mendouga locality, a power cut plunged his rally into darkness. Supporters, however, carried on, singing in the dark while using their phone flashlights to capture the moment.
A General Problem
The disruptions affecting presidential hopefuls have highlighted the daily struggles of millions of Cameroonians.
Observers say the incidents are a wake-up call for candidates to focus on solutions to chronic infrastructure challenges.
Unstable electricity and poor Internet connectivity remain major obstacles in Cameroon, affecting not just political campaigns but also businesses, education, and daily life.