The Cameroon Renaissance Movement (MRC) will hold its extraordinary convention on the date as originally scheduled, according to Interim Party President Mamadou Mota.
In a statement on Friday afternoon, Mota argued that the decision by the Divisional Officer (DO) of Yaounde 4 is political, not administrative. He stated that it is not within the DO’s prerogative to ban such a meeting, which he said is neither a public manifestation nor an outdoor activity.
“This internal MRC meeting, provided for by its statutes, is neither a public meeting nor a public demonstration,” Mota said, adding that the MRC will ignore the ban because it does not require authorization from any administrative authority.
The party had written to the DO to inform him of the meeting as a courtesy, as prescribed by law.
The convention is scheduled for November 29 at the MRC’s headquarters in Yaoundé.
Reason for the Ban
Mota said the DO, on Thursday, November 27, used the pretext of an alleged report from a former party executive, Mr. Thyerry Okala Ebode—who was expelled by a competent party body following standard procedure—to issue a ruling prohibiting the convention.
“Consequently, it is not enforceable against the MRC,” stated Mota, who further argued that the premises for the meeting are not exposed to the public.
After reviewing the DO’s claims, the party decided that since the meeting is statutory and is being held at their party headquarters, the DO’s ruling is not an administrative act but a political one.
“In other words, the MRC’s Extraordinary Convention will indeed be held on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at its headquarters, as planned,” he stated.
Describing the Ban as a Provocation
The MRC believes the ban is just another intimidation tactic used by the government against the party. They cited the October 12 presidential election, in which its former president, Maurice Kamto, was barred from running.
“The MRC reiterates that its Extraordinary Convention is not a public event, nor is it open to the public. It is not taking place on a public road but at its headquarters, which is enclosed and has a controlled gate, under the party’s sole responsibility. Only MRC officials can call upon public forces if they deem it necessary,” said Mamadou Mota.
“The DO of Yaoundé 4, his principals, and the RDPC party will be held responsible for any disturbance of the peace that they orchestrate at the request of Mr. Thyerry Okala Ebode, a former MRC activist, at our party headquarters on Saturday, November 29, 2025,” he added.
Kamto Said to Reclaim the Presidency
According to information from the MRC, the convention is being organised to reinstate Maurice Kamto as president of the party.
Kamto had resigned from the MRC and joined the Manidem Party to contest the October 12 presidential election. However, he was still disqualified because ELECAM, the elections body, cited multiple applicants from the party, which contravenes the law.
Before his resignation, Kamto was the president of the MRC and is expected to reclaim that position at the convention.
