CPDM contradictions in punching Kamto!.

The latest reactions have come from President Paul Biya, natural candidate of the ruling CPDM party in a social media post. It is coming on the heels of a lengthy statement issued yesterday by the Secretary General of CPDM Central Committee, Jean Nkuete. 

Both statements do not call a spade by its real name but leave no one in doubt they are directing their powerful punches to the MRC leader, who by the result of the last presidential election, is the only political leader in the opposition that can give the CPDM a run for its money.

President Biya in his social media post wrote: “It is really necessary to recall that in a democracy, access to political responsibilities is ensured through the ballot box and not through the streets, through certain media or through social networks”. 

In his own lengthy reaction, Nkuete "reaffirms the irreversible attachment of the CPDM to the principles of peace, tolerance, democracy, respect for fundamental freedoms, as well as the republican order".

He added that "democracy expresses itself within the framework of laws, civilized debate and mutual respect".

The Guardian Post, like all civilisations, share those values- tolerance, freedoms and the rule of law, which are the ingredients of democracy. They are the same Republican values Kamto has been expressing in his rallies and writings. 

At the May 31, 2025, Paris rally, which is reported to have given the government goose pimples, Kamto told thousands of Cameroonians living in the Diaspora that: "I have no time for hatred. I only have time to build Cameroon with you". 

Perhaps, to dismiss the fear that he would revenge his nine months of incarceration after the 2018 disputed poll, if he wins in October, Kamto swore to protect President Biya and his family.

"When you do me the great of honour of entrusting me with the reins of power, you can be sure that nothing will happen to Mr Biya and his family. Nothing. I guarantee it," Kamto had stated. 

In a swift criticism, the CPDM Assistant Communication Secretary and Minister of Labour and Social Security, Grégoire Owona, in a Facebook post, questioned: "What protection do they need? Which family are we talking about? ...Cameroon is not in danger".

Truly, Cameroon is not in peril, but as Nkuete wrote, “the country has historically...been marked by the trauma of the violence of the War of Independence". 

He added that: "…the brazing years are closer to us, the atrocities in the North West and South West Regions. Violence and atrocities, the Cameroonian people don’t want any more. He who knows the price and value of peace more than anyone would not admit that personal ambitions should endanger the lives of our compatriots and jeopardise the so dearly acquired peace, stability, tranquility and coexistence".

How can the CPDM Central Committee Secretary General say the country is "marked by a trauma of violence" and again be in "acquired peace, stability, tranquility and coexistence"?  It is self-contradictory.

Yes, every Cameroonian wants peace. But does it exist in the North West, South West and Far North Regions?

Every Cameroonian wants to reside and work everywhere in Cameroon. But isn't it CPDM supporters who have been reported to be preventing opposition rallies in some localities of the South Region?

Why have there been strike by teachers, CDC workers, university lecturers etc protesting for their dues on the streets?

Is blocking Kamto from holding a meeting with his supporters in Douala an expression of freedom? Is it within the rule of law to prevent a man from leaving his residence if he has not committed any offence?

The Guardian Post congratulates Nkuete for appealing to "...all and everyone, notably stakeholders from all sides in the public and political spaces, more especially opinion leaders, media, influencers, social networks, etc., whose role, in this sensitive period of ours, the common history is to espouse peace, tolerance, mutual respect and not to blow on the embers of hatred, violence, distrust of institutions, tribalism and chaos".

But it behooves on the government to provide a level political playing field, especially to all political parties, because violence is inevitable where there is no equity, justice and the rule of law, not just the audacity to point finger with dirty hands. 

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3471 of Thursday June 12, 2025