At first biannual governors' confab: MINAT boss drums orderly, transparent presidential election.

The confab is expected to end today with the drafting of a series of recommendations.

The confab is holding under the theme: “The Challenge of Maintaining Public Order During the Electoral Period: For a Credible, Transparent, and Peaceful Presidential Election”. 

It has brought together senior state officials, the 10 regional governors, and top security officials. 

The session comes just days after President Paul Biya convened the electorate for the presidential election billed for Sunday, October 12, 2025.

According to the member of government, the main objective of the session was to assess the country’s level of preparedness and reinforce strategies for a secure, transparent and orderly electoral process.

Minister Atanga Nji in his opening remarks underscored the strategic significance of convening such an important meeting like the governors’ conference, 90 days before the polls. 

He used the opportunity to expressed appreciation to the Secretary of State for National Gendarmerie, Galax Yves Etoga and the Delegate General for National Security, Martin Mbarga Ngeule for their endless efforts in ensuring the respect of public order and national stability. 

He noted that for some time now, administrative authorities and the forces of law and order have consistently reported cases of wayward claims on media platforms while calling on perpetrators to shun all practices.

The Minister suggested that some “Programmes and debates are organised just to sabotage government action, tarnish the image of head of state, vilify members of government, preach tribal hatred, promote terrorism and other irresponsible slogans,”.

The Minister insisted on the fact that the said repeated excesses are taking alarming proportions and could be considered as a serious threat to public order. 

“Let me seize this opportunity to emphasise that despite political rhetoric, lies and false information about the functioning of republican institutions, Cameroon under the enlightened stewardship of the head of state, Paul Biya, is strong, stable” he continued.

Cameroon, the minister stated firmly: “was not shaken during the 1992 presidential election and Cameroon will not be shaken during or after the 2025 presidential election”.

Addressing the governors, the minister reminded the governors that as head of the various regions, they have as main duty to work to ensure the maintenance of peace and order in their areas of command.

He used the opportunity to urge Cameroonians to remain vigilant during the period of election.

The Minister has challenged authorities to ensure a serene atmosphere and guarantee a hitch free presidential election.

The minister warned against acts of provocation, hate speech, tribal propaganda, insisting that hence any attempt during the electoral period will be met with firm legal action.

Enter governors

Speaking to pressmen at the start of the ceremony, the Governor of the West Region, Awa Fonka Augustine noted that with the electorate convened, it is their responsibility to accompany ELECAM for a hitch free election.

Commenting on the state of readiness in the West Region, he noted that the region has been beefed up with more than 300 officers of the National Gendarmerie.

“The police equally have been beefed up and we have taken all necessary measures as far as anticipating the D-Day of the election and the administrative authorities are ready,” Governor Awa said.

The Governor of the Centre Region, Naseri Paul Bea, on his part commended the population of his region of command for being steadfast and wise.

He warned that no disorder will be tolerated in Yaounde. 

He has pledged that the election in the Centre Region will take place under good conditions. 

“The population is going about with their activities without hindrance and we know that 2025 is a crucial year,” Governor Naseri noted.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3506 of Thursday July 17, 2025