CPDM SG condemns hate, violence ahead of presidential election
Observers see this as direct attack to rival opposition party, CRM of Maurice Kamto
By Wilson Musa
Cameroon’s ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM) has issued a stern warning against what it calls a “rise in acts of hatred and threats of violence” by certain political parties as the country approaches its October presidential election.
In a communiqué signed by the Secretary-General of the CPDM Central Committee, Jean Nkuete, the party strongly denounced what it perceives as attempts to destabilize Cameroon’s democracy, harm national cohesion, and tarnish the country’s image.
Nkuete’s statement directly addressed “some political formations” that he claims are “feeding the public with false debates” and disrespectfully questioning President Paul Biya’s age. The communiqué highlights several key concerns:
- Incitement to Insurrection and Violence: The CPDM criticizes calls for a “sacrificial and murderous insurrection,” noting references to a “brotherly and friendly country,” which it deems incomparable to Cameroon’s situation.
- Promotion of Communal and Inter-Tribal Clashes: The party condemns attempts to incite community and inter-tribal confrontations as a means to achieve political change.
- Calls for Foreign Pressure and Party Demobilization: Nkuete points to appeals for international pressure on the government and efforts to demobilize CPDM activists.
- Disrespect for Institutions and President Biya: The communiqué vehemently denounces what it views as defiance of institutions, intimidation, incitement to hatred and violence, and attacks on the person of President Paul Biya.
The CPDM communiqué emphasizes that such behaviors are “incomprehensible and unjustifiable” given Cameroon’s “level of freedoms, democracy, and high degree and speed of development.”
Calls for Peace and Republican Spirit
The CPDM saluted the “high patriotic spirit and political maturity” of most Cameroonians who, according to the party, are attached to ancestral values, including respect for elders, and who aspire to live in peace ahead of the upcoming election. It also praised the “republican spirit” of responsible political parties that are preparing peacefully for the presidential poll in accordance with electoral laws.
Nkuete reaffirmed the CPDM’s “irreversible commitment” to peace, tolerance, democracy, respect for fundamental freedoms, and the republican order. He stressed that democracy operates within the framework of laws, civilized debate, and mutual respect.
Lessons from the Past and Future Aspirations
The communiqué underscored that Cameroon is a “mature nation” whose people have been marked by the “traumas of the war of independence, the years of turmoil, and more recently, the atrocities in the North-West and South-West regions.” Nkuete asserted that Cameroonians, who understand the value of peace, will not allow personal ambitions to endanger lives or jeopardize the hard-won peace, stability, tranquility, and coexistence.
The CPDM Secretary-General called on all stakeholders in the public and political spheres, including opinion leaders, media, and social media influencers, to promote peace, tolerance, and mutual respect rather than inciting hatred, violence, and tribalism.
Directives for CPDM Members
Finally, Nkuete commended the discipline and resilience of CPDM activists and sympathizers, urging them to remain vigilant, show solidarity around peace, responsibility, and unity, and to resist provocation or manipulation. He encouraged them to calmly defend President Paul Biya and the image of a strong, stable, and institution-respecting Cameroon, while continuing citizen mobilization for an “overwhelming victory of democracy over anarchy” in October.
The communiqué also extended this call for vigilance and resilience to CPDM members and peace-loving Cameroonians in the diaspora, urging them to resist manipulations aimed at disrupting their participation in the upcoming election.
The CPDM reiterated its fundamental role as a “shield and arm of peace” for President Biya, assuring supporters that they should continue preparing for the presidential election “without fear.”
Kuete’s unspoken truth
But what Mr. Kuete did not condemn is the rampant tribal abuses meted upon opposition party especially the Cameroon Renaissance Movement, where even Professors have sat on national TV to comment derogatory statements about the party and its leader.
Kuete failed to call his party militants to order, but was more interested removing the small plank in the eyes of the opposition while there are bigger planks in their onw eyes.
