On 31 July 2025, Cameroonian presidential candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary was barred from flying to Senegal at Yaoundé Nsimalen International Airport.

Tchiroma, who leads the Front for the National Salvation of Cameroon (FSNC) party, was accompanied by his daughter. The pair intended to visit the grave of former president Ahmadou Ahidjo in Dakar.

Eyewitnesses and local media report that airport officials told Tchiroma he could not travel, citing undisclosed “orders from above”.

Notably, officials provided no written documentation, warrant, or legal justification for the travel ban.

As of 1 August, the Cameroonian government has remained silent, intensifying speculation that the decision was politically motivated.

POLITICAL CONTEXT DEEPENS PUBLIC SUSPICION

Tchiroma’s sudden travel restriction comes amid his active campaign for Cameroon’s 12 October 2025 presidential election.

In June 2025, he resigned from his government post, publicly criticising President Paul Biya’s administration as “broken” and “paralysed”.

Since launching his presidential bid, Tchiroma has called for structural reforms, promising to dismantle the current regime and restore constitutional order.

His push for an opposition coalition has gained momentum in recent weeks.

The Issa Tchiroma travel ban’s timing, coinciding with the intensifying coalition-building efforts, has fuelled fears of electoral manipulation.

LEGAL UNCERTAINTY FUELS PUBLIC OUTRAGE

Legal experts and civil society organisations are raising serious constitutional concerns. Cameroon’s laws guarantee citizens the freedom of movement, yet Tchiroma’s ban was issued verbally, without a court order or legal precedent.

Legal scholars and human rights observers argue that the travel restriction on Issa Tchiroma may violate Article 13 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), which guarantees individuals the right to leave any country, including their own, and to return.

Article 13(2) of the UDHR states, “Everyone has the right to leave any country, including his own, and to return to his country.”

Cameroon is a signatory to the UDHR and has incorporated many of its provisions into national legal frameworks.

Meanwhile, public reaction has been swift, with widespread condemnation from civil society and activists accusing the government of suppressing dissent.

OPPOSITION LEADERS CONDEMN THE MOVE

Opposition figures, including members of the Cameroon Renaissance Movement (MRC) and the Social Democratic Front (SDF), have strongly condemned the travel ban.

They describe it as a direct attack on democracy, warning it could undermine the legitimacy of the upcoming vote.

Sources close to Issa Tchiroma Bakary have acknowledged the challenges posed by the travel ban but stressed their commitment to continuing political activities and dialogue ahead of the election.

A TURNING POINT IN CAMEROON’S 2025 ELECTION

Society accuses President Paul Biya of political repression, aiming to limit fair competition. Human rights groups have consistently condemned the government’s actions, including arbitrary arrests and crackdowns on protests.

As of August 2025, the African Union (AU) has not made a formal statement, but legal experts and monitoring groups remain vigilant.

Barrister Agbor Balla, a leading Cameroonian human rights lawyer and constitutional expert, has urged the government to respect constitutional rights.

He warns that travel bans without due process violate both national laws and international human rights standards.

This incident adds to political tensions, especially after the electoral commission barred opposition leader Maurice Kamto, increasing concerns over the fairness of the upcoming election.

WILL CAMEROON PROTECT ELECTORAL INTEGRITY OR CONTINUE THE CRACKDOWN?

Culled from The South African

Maurice Kamto’s exclusion from the October 2025 presidential race has intensified tensions within Cameroon’s political landscape. Elecam’s rejection of his candidacy has not only surprised the public but also galvanized opposition voices, with figures like Akere Muna, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, and Hermine Patricia Tomaïno Ndam Njoya calling for an independent review by the Constitutional Council.

The list of validated candidates, published on July 26, excluded Kamto on the grounds that his party, Manidem, submitted multiple nominations—a claim widely challenged. His supporters and even some rivals argue that the rejection lacks legal consistency and appears politically motivated.

Among those defending Kamto’s right to run, Front of Cameroonian Democrats (FDC) candidate Samuel Hiram Iyodi spoke out strongly:
 “I hope it will be retained (by the Constitutional Council). I think that Professor Maurice Kamto has been a major player in Cameroonian politics for many years now, and that for this election, which promises to be crucial for the future of our country, all players, all political parties representing a particular stratum, a particular sensitivity of our population, should be able to compete. I hope that he will have legal arguments to see his candidacy rehabilitated after the dispute at the Constitutional Council level.”

Maurice Kamto has officially appealed to the Constitutional Council to contest his exclusion from the presidential race.

Former Minister Issa Tchiroma Babary, running under the National Front for the Salvation of Cameroon (FNSC), emphasized the Council’s role as a neutral arbiter. He stressed the importance of “impartiality and integrity, in fully assuming its responsibilities.” He added, “It is its duty to guarantee respect for the Constitution, protection of the rights of every citizen, and transparency in the management of the electoral process and public affairs.” Tchiroma also underlined Kamto’s credentials: “In view of Professor Kamto’s internationally recognized competence in legal matters, [he] had surrounded himself upstream with all the necessary legal measures to ensure that his candidacy complied with the requisite requirements.” He urged authorities to restore Kamto’s rights “and that he enjoy, without restriction, the prerogatives conferred on him by law, in the same way as any political actor or citizen protected by the Constitution.”

Hermine Patricia Tomaïno Ndam Njoya, president of the Cameroon Democratic Union (UDC) and presidential candidate, also criticized the exclusion. She lamented the invalidation of Kamto and the president of the USDP, both of whom are part of a platform pushing for a unified opposition and a consensual electoral code. “We sincerely hope that the Constitutional Council will examine their appeals fairly, so that they can rejoin the common dynamic,” she declared.

From the Universe party, candidate Akere Muna voiced his “deep concern at the rejection of Professor Maurice Kamto’s candidacy.” He argued that the decision lacks legal merit. “This rejection, to which others can be added, is based on grounds that correspond neither to the established facts nor to the provisions of article 121 of the Electoral Code, and more particularly to those of article 5, paragraph 2,” he said. That article stipulates that: “The members of Elections Cameroon, in the exercise of their functions, must not, under any circumstances, seek or receive instructions or orders from a national or foreign public or private authority.” Muna remains hopeful that “the Constitutional Council will fully appreciate the stakes involved and will act with due diligence to guarantee impartial, transparent justice worthy of the trust of all citizens.”

Kah Walla, who leads a faction of the Cameroon People’s Party, issued a joint statement with UPC-Manidem. The declaration reads: “This disqualification confirms what we have been denouncing for years: a locked, biased and deeply discredited electoral process.”

Despite mounting criticism from opposition leaders and civil society, Elections Cameroon (Elecam) has yet to issue a response. The silence is further deepening suspicions of arbitrary and politically motivated decision-making in Kamto’s exclusion from the race.

Source: Sbbc

Erik Essousse, director of general elections, informed Maurice Kamto that his candidacy for the 2025 presidential election was rejected due to “multiple nominations by the Manidem” party. The Electoral Council also disqualified Dieudonné Yebga, who submitted his bid under the same party affiliation. According to Elecam, this dual endorsement caused legal confusion, rendering both Kamto’s and Yebga’s candidacies inadmissible.

Anicet Ekane, founder of Manidem, strongly disputed the decision against Maurice Kamto. He stated that Elecam’s reason does not reflect the truth. “The CPDM and Paul Biya, feeling [already] defeated, want to avoid a face off with the Manidem candidate,” he said. Ekane claimed the decision resulted from a calculated political maneuver. He added, “Even before the announcement of this unprecedented candidacy carrying the hopes of the people, the regime in Yaoundé had already leaked Mr. Kamto’s personal documents prepared for the application.”

The Manidem founder further accused the government of a disinformation campaign about candidacy eligibility requirements. He also claimed the government crudely altered “the official registration of Manidem’s leadership on the website of the Ministry of Territorial Administration” while orchestrating the submission of a “so-called second candidacy,” referring to Dieudonné Yebga, within the party.

In response to the rejection, Anicet Ekane’s Manidem announced its intent to appeal to the Constitutional Council, as permitted by law. Regulations allow candidates rejected by Elecam 72 hours to file a petition with this body. Ekane stated, “What happens next depends on the response of the Constitutional Council,” emphasizing that the future of Kamto’s candidacy now rests on this decision.

The pre-election dispute warrants close attention as the situation remains unresolved for Manidem. The outlook appears even more challenging for Maurice Kamto, especially since Dieudonné Yebga, in a statement dated July 26, also expressed his intention to contest Elecam’s rejection of his candidacy. As a result, both Kamto’s and Yebga’s bids are at stake, potentially leading to tangled legal proceedings and escalating political tensions surrounding the electoral process.

Source: Business in Cameroon

Maurice Kamto has been excluded from the list of candidates in the 12 October presidential election.

Only 13 of the 83 names submitted to the country’s electoral body Elecam were accepted.

Kamto came second in the 2018 elections amid allegations of fraud. He has not yet commented on the decision.

President Paul Biya, 92, the world’s oldest president, was included on the list and will seek an eighth term in office.

Defying calls to step down, he says he still has a lot to offer Cameroonians despite being in power for nearly 43 years.

Biya will be challenged by two former allies, Issa Tchiroma Bakary and Bello Bouba Maigari, who both come from the vote-rich north of the country.

Kamto was excluded because he was one of two candidates registered to represent the Manidem party.

Even though he had been officially adopted by the party’s ruling body, another candidate from a splinter group also registered himself under the party’s name.

Manidem president Anicet Ekane described Kamto’s exclusion as “arbitrary and provocative”.

“We call on all Cameroonians to show calm and restraint because for the moment, it is only an offside goal. This tackle from behind must be sanctioned by the Constitutional Council which we will turn to,” he added.

Those disqualified from the presidential race have two days to file a legal challenge.

Kamto was the candidate for the Cameroon Renaissance Movement (CRM) in 2018 but the party was not allowed to endorse anyone this year due to its lack of elected representatives in parliament or local councils.

So Kamto recently joined the Manidem party, which does have local representation.

Renowned anti-corruption lawyer Akere Muna, Social Democratic Front (SDF) leader Joshua Osih, and lawmaker Cabral Libii are among the other candidates cleared to run.

Firebrand Mayor of Foumban Patricia Tomaino Ndam Njoya is the only female candidate on the list.

Source: BBC

Over 80 candidates have submitted applications to run for Cameroon’s presidency, said the country’s electoral body Elections Cameroon (Elecam) on Tuesday.

On the list of applicants released by Elecam were incumbent President Paul Biya, and opposition leaders Maurice Kamto and Joshua Osih.

Two former ministers and allies of Biya, Issa Tchiroma Bakary and Bello Bouba Maigari, also applied for the presidential candidacy, which involves seven females and 26 independent candidates.

The final list of those qualified to run for the election will be published 60 days before the voting day after Elecam reviews the applications.

The presidential election will begin on Oct. 12.

Source: Xinhuanet

92-year-old president Paul Biya is struggling to get the support of young Cameroonians.

Even before the world’s oldest president announced that he will seek an eighth term in office, his social media profiles left experts in no doubt.

By the time 92-year-old Biya announced last week that he would run for re-election as Cameroon’s president, he had already been increasing his online presence for several months.

Daily posts on Facebook and X (previously Twitter) represent a significant break from his earlier, infrequent participation.

However, analysts tell the BBC that Biya’s attempts to win over young people ahead of the October election are likely to fail.

“Cameroon has over 5.4 million social media users, but 95% of young people rely on WhatsApp – a platform where presidential communication is nearly non-existent,” says Rostant Tane, the director of Media Intelligence Sarl and author of the Cameroon 2024 Multimedia Audience Study.

“There’s no regional segmentation, no interactivity, and very little effort to speak the digital language of young people,” he adds.

“Many know that it is not Paul Biya himself who is writing – which creates distance and limits trust,” says Hervé Tiwa, a lecturer in communication sciences.

“Their communication remains very top-down without any real interaction – comments ignored or deleted, a lack of personalised responses… This gives the impression of a strategy that is more cosmetic than participatory.”

Cameroon’s population is overwhelmingly youthful. Over 60% of the population is under the age of 25, and more than half of the electorate is under the age of 30, implying that they could influence the election’s outcome.

“Political communication must serve democracy and transparency and not just be used as a marketing tool,” says 27-year-old communications specialist Ulrich Donfack.

Youths want to see concrete action on issues that affect them, agrees Falone Ngu, who is also 27.

“Cameroon’s youth are not just looking for flashy graphics or slogans in the media! They want opportunities, change and hope,” says the social enterprise founder, who did reserve some praise for the president’s social media team for realising that “leadership and digitalisation go hand in hand”.

Unemployment is high in Cameroon, with even the most qualified young people holding multiple university degrees struggling to find work. Corruption and security are also major concerns.

Instead of focusing on those difficulties, numerous posts on Biya’s social media sites highlight his 43-year record in power, which occurred before much of the population was born.

According to communication strategist Aristide Mabatto, Biya’s team is currently distributing snippets in French and English from over 300 speeches the president has given over the years.

One recent, poignant example was based on a speech from 2000 that chastised people for lecturing others but not preaching by example. That came just two days after one of Biya’s most steadfast allies condemned his rule and abandoned him.

Source: Chronicle.ng

No official announcement has confirmed Bello Bouba Maïgari’s resignation as Minister of Tourism and Leisure, but on July 28, he declared his candidacy for the October 2025 presidential election. This marks a clear break for the leader of the National Union for Democracy and Progress (UNDP), a party that had supported President Paul Biya in the last four presidential elections. His announcement signals a decisive split from the presidential majority and, by extension, a de facto exit from a government he served for over 20 years.

On July 3, Maïgari told a German television channel he had already begun the process of resigning from the government. He stated, “You won’t have to wait long to know what I’ve done. This letter must be addressed to the appropriate authority, that is to say, the President of the Republic, Head of State, who appoints his ministers.” He added that “for a candidate expected to face the national electorate, it’s essential to have all the necessary time to prepare and carry out a campaign across the country. A task hardly compatible with ministerial responsibilities.”

His close associates confirm Maïgari has resigned. Saidou Maïdadi, the UNDP’s national communications secretary and a close ally, responded to questions about the resignation by listing several signs that Maïgari is no longer in charge at the Ministry of Tourism and Leisure. Maïdadi stated, “He has left his official residence and returned to his private home, cleared out his offices, stopped going to work, had his bodyguards withdrawn, and returned state vehicles to the Director of General Affairs.” Maïdadi concluded, “The minister submitted his resignation to the appropriate authority.”

Maïgari’s last official appearance as Minister of State for Tourism and Leisure was on June 23, when he presided over a ceremony for signing agreements with new managers of tourist site lodges, five days before announcing his candidacy.

There has been no official statement from the government on Maïgari’s departure, despite some ruling party voices demanding his resignation and calling his presidential bid a betrayal.

The situation is unusual compared to the handling of another ruling coalition ally’s resignation. Minister Issa Tchiroma Bakary of Employment and Vocational Training, leader of the National Front for the Salvation of Cameroon (FNSC), tendered his resignation and was officially replaced by Mounouna Foutsou. Foutsou, who is Minister of Youth and Civic Education, has served as acting Minister of Employment and Vocational Training since June 27, following a presidential decision.

At the Ministry of Tourism and Leisure, Secretary-General Paul Marcel Ndioro à Mamoun has been managing day-to-day affairs for the past few weeks. Meanwhile, Bello Bouba Maïgari submitted his presidential candidacy on July 18 and continues to hold consultations at his Yaounde residence, meeting with political figures in hopes of nominating a single opposition candidate.

Source: Sbbc

Cameroon’s Minister of Territorial Administration Paul Atanga Nji said on Wednesday that the government will “not tolerate” any election disorder in the country.

“We are vigilant and will not tolerate any act to destabilize the elections,” Nji told reporters at the start of the first bi-annual conference of regional governors 2025, which brought together governors of the 10 regions of the country to deliberate on how to best organize presidential election scheduled for Oct. 12.

“As the primary authorities in charge of law and order at the local level, you are expected to use your expertise and experience to take necessary measures before, during and after this presidential election to ensure that it runs smoothly, and more importantly, to make the population feel the State’s presence, and support all parties involved in the electoral process,” Nji told the governors.

The minister expressed concerns that local media were fueling political disorder in the build up to the election. “Programs and debates are organized just to sabotage government actions, vilify members of government, preach tribal hatred, promote terrorism and other irresponsible slogans,” he said, adding that the government was working on “mechanisms” to check excesses in the media.

Officials said that additional security measures will be taken to maintain peace and order before, during and after the election.

Source: Xinhua