“Instructions from Above” Bar UNDP Members from Traveling to Ngoundere

Members of the National Union for Democracy and Progress (UNDP) were reportedly denied access to a Camair-Co plane, a train, and buses to travel to Ngaoundere for a crucial meeting, with transporters reportedly citing “instructions from above.”

A high-ranking member of the party told MMI this Thursday evening that top party members were “stranded” in Yaounde as travel agencies refused to provide services.

“We first booked Camair-Co, but upon arriving at the airport, the flight had been cancelled. We tried the train, but it appears the train to Ngaoundere had been booked for several weeks,” he said.

After failing to get the train and the plane, members turned to buses. However, this too proved futile.

“Agencies refused to take our money or offer us services, citing instructions from above,” our source stated.

About 60 members of the UNDP, who are expected to attend a crucial preparatory campaign meeting in Ngaoundere, were still struggling to figure out their next move, at press time.

Bello Bouba Maigari, the party’s chairman who served as Minister of Tourism and Leisure, resigned last month to pursue a presidential bid against President Paul Biya.

Mr Maigari is planning to hold a political rally in Ngoundere, the Adamawa Regional capital, over the weekend.

Biya’s government, in power for 42 years, has been widely accused of targeting opposition figures, including restricting travel and rallies.

In July, former government Minister and now opposition candidate, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, was barred by authorities from leaving the country for Senegal.

He said he was traveling for a brief visit to the tomb of the country’s former President Ahmadou Ahidjo, who fell out with Biya, died and was buried in Senegal.

Opposition leaders like Maurice Kamto have seen their movements within the country repeatedly restricted.

Police surrounded the popular politician’s residence in Douala in June and prevented dozens of peaceful supporters from meeting him after he returned from a visit to France.

MMI