Biya Regime 'Panics' as Kamto's Popularity Surges Ahead of 2025 Elections

Opposition leader Maurice Kamto has urged the Littoral regional authorities to maintain calm amid reports that he has effectively been placed under house arrest in Douala, hindering his ability to meet with supporters. 

Maurice kamto 

These developments suggest that the ruling Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM) government, led by President Paul Biya, is showing signs of unease as it closely monitors the increasing public support for the opposition.

Sources close to Maurice Kamto's Cameroon Renaissance Movement (CRM) party indicate that security forces have significantly increased their presence around his home in Douala since his return, effectively limiting his mobility and preventing party members and supporters from visiting him. This situation has raised alarms about the diminishing democratic space as the crucial 2025 presidential elections approach.

Kamto, through his communication channels, urged authorities to "avoid creating unnecessary tension" and respect the constitutional rights of citizens to assemble and express themselves.² His plea underscores the delicate political climate in Cameroon, where the opposition believes the government is increasingly resorting to heavy-handed tactics to stifle dissent.

The perceived "panic" within the CPDM ranks is widely interpreted by political analysts as a direct consequence of the overwhelming public enthusiasm demonstrated for Kamto. This was vividly illustrated by the massive crowds that turned out to welcome him in Douala upon his return to the city. Eyewitnesses describe a sea of humanity, far surpassing any state-organized rallies, spontaneously gathering to show their solidarity.

This recent display of support in Douala echoes the significant turnouts Kamto has historically drawn in European capitals, notably during his visits to France, where the Cameroonian diaspora has consistently shown robust support for his vision of change. The consistency and scale of these crowds – both at home and abroad – are increasingly seen as undeniable indicators of a populace weary of the status quo and demonstrably ready for a fundamental shift in leadership.

For many Cameroonians, the spontaneous and fervent reception given to Kamto is a clear signal that the appetite for a regime change is not only present but has reached a critical mass. As the 2025 elections draw closer, the government's response to such public displays of support for the opposition will undoubtedly remain a focal point, shaping the trajectory of Cameroon's political future.