By Synthia Lateu
Maurice Kamto has called on authorities in the Littoral Region to avoid creating unnecessary tension among the population. In a video message lasting close to six minutes, addressed to his supporters this June 8, the leader of the Cameroon Renaissance Movement (CRM) confirmed he is being blocked at his lodging in Bonapriso, Douala.
He said he arrived in the city on June 7, only to find a heavy security presence.
“We want to tell the authorities of the region and the city that there is no need to create tension among Cameroonians. They are only asking to meet with their leader, one of the leaders of a political party in the country,” Kamto said.
He explained that when he attempted to leave to meet with his collaborators in Douala, he was informed that the area around where he was residing was under tight surveillance, and he could not access the CRM’s regional headquarters.
“This is an attitude we find difficult to understand. It doesn’t appear to be a matter of maintaining public order. If that were the case, the simple fact that we informed the authorities should have allayed any suspicion of unrest,” Kamto added.
He recalled that in the CRM’s 13 years of existence, his visits have never sparked unrest. He also mentioned that about two or three years ago, he was expelled from Douala under similar circumstances.
Earlier this morning, CRM supporters began gathering in front of the party’s regional headquarters in anticipation of Kamto’s visit to the city, following his recent rally in Paris. Security forces were deployed shortly after the supporters began assembling.
The Senior Divisional Officer for Wouri had earlier issued a decree prohibiting the circulation of motorbikes along the route from the Douala International Airport to the CRM regional headquarters and its surrounding areas.
In his video address, Kamto revealed that they were informed the Governor of the Littoral Region had requested he leave Douala. Kamto said his team responded by telling the governor’s office that, if movement restrictions were to be imposed, they must be backed by an official decree.
“We did not declare any rally because there was none to declare. Should a Cameroonian—a president of a political party—require a declaration just to meet with his collaborators for a brief meeting?” Kamto questioned.
Albert Nzongang, a senior CRM official who arrived at the party headquarters, was reportedly prevented from joining his colleagues.
Following Kamto’s message, many supporters who had gathered at the headquarters began dispersing, although others remained nearby, still hoping to catch a glimpse of their leader
