Santa CPDM Conference Raises Questions Over Use of Chinese Humanitarian Rice for Political Mobilisation

By Njoh Linda

The distribution of rice reportedly linked to Chinese humanitarian assistance at a Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM) youth conference in Santa has raised questions about the use of aid for political mobilisation ahead of legislative and municipal elections.

The conference, held on October 24, 2026, at the Santa Grandstand, brought together party leaders and militants for the Mezam II youth section gathering under the theme, “One Santa, United for Victory, Peace and Development.”

Beyond calls for political mobilisation, the event featured the distribution of rice as party leaders urged young people to support the ruling party in the forthcoming elections.

The rice is reportedly linked to food assistance donated by the People’s Republic of China to support vulnerable populations in Cameroon. However, it remains unclear whether the supplies distributed at the conference came from the official humanitarian donation or under what authorisation they were allocated to the event.

The circumstances raise questions about whether food assistance intended for vulnerable households is being channelled through partisan gatherings and whether its distribution follows established humanitarian criteria.

Cameroon received a Chinese food donation in June 2026 comprising 1,630 tonnes of rice and 880 tonnes of wheat to support populations affected by humanitarian challenges. The North-West and South-West regions, where armed conflict has displaced families and disrupted livelihoods, are among the areas facing significant humanitarian needs.

Since the conflict escalated in 2016, thousands of families have experienced displacement, loss of livelihoods and difficulties accessing basic services. Many continue to depend on humanitarian assistance to meet their food and other essential needs.

The distribution of rice at a political gathering therefore raises concerns about transparency and the separation of humanitarian relief from party activities. There is, however, no confirmed evidence that access to the rice was conditional on attending the conference or supporting the CPDM.

At the event, Auguste Essomba, president of the CPDM National Youth Bureau, called on young militants to support the party in the upcoming elections and present themselves as candidates for elective office.

Other party officials praised the turnout, while former section president Fru Jonathan commended Santa’s youth for their role in peace initiatives during the ongoing conflict.

The conference also featured a separate donation of medical equipment and food items worth approximately FCFA 10 million by Santa MP Kumase Simon Powoh to support healthcare delivery and community welfare.

Authorities responsible for managing the Chinese humanitarian donation have yet to clarify whether the rice distributed at the conference formed part of the official aid supplies.

The CPDM and relevant administrative authorities should explain the source of the rice, the authorisation for its distribution and the criteria used to select beneficiaries.

For families affected by the conflict, the central concern remains access to assistance based on vulnerability and need, rather than political affiliation. Transparency in the management of humanitarian supplies is essential to ensuring that aid reaches its intended beneficiaries.