Biya’s regime panics as opposition leader returns to Cameroon

Sema Fonkem 12/06/2025

Maurice Kamto, leader of Cameroon Renaissance Movement (CRM) party was placed under house arrest for 48 hours at his Bonapriso residence in Douala, economic capital of Cameroon by security forces after his return from Paris, France where he held a rally on 31 May 2025.

While in Cameroon, 71 years old Kamto, had scheduled a meeting for the 8th of June 2025 with senior party members at CRM headquarters in Deido, where a large crowd of supporters gathered to welcome their beloved leader. Kamto will not be seen or heard from by anyone until a video message surfaced.

In the video that is circulating across social media , Kamto said, “as I speak, I’m still sequestered, go home in calm and dignity.”

Security agencies: Rapid Intervention Battalion (B.I.R) and Gendarmerie deployed hundreds of their members to bar entry into CRM headquarters and to ensure that there was peace and stability. Some CRM members who were protesting, chanting the slogan, “Biya must go” and singing struggle songs were arrested and later released.

Rapid Intervention Battalion and Gendarmerie barring entrance to Cameroon Renaissance Movement Party headquarters at Grand Moulin in Deido.

Kamto’s CRM is the biggest opposition party and this makes him the most eligible presidential candidate contesting for the second time. After the 2018 presidential elections, he was accused of insurrection and incarcerated at Kondengui Central Prison in Yaoundé, Capital of Cameroon where he spent nine months.

Biya’s regime became paranoid with Kamto’s presence in the country because Kamto had a very successful rally in Paris, where approximately 10000 Cameroonians were present and seeing a similar crowd turning up in Douala did not make it any easy.

Yaoundé also known as Biya’s Den is where it always ends. Kamto is currently in Yaoundé escorted by security convoy. The reason for his travel from Douala to Yaoundé remains unknown but some party members believe he has been summoned to answer questions regarding a statement he made assuring the public of Biya’s safety when he becomes president.

“When you do me the great of honour of entrusting me with the reins, you can be sure that nothing will happen to Mr. Biya and his family. Nothing. I guarantee it, I have no time for hatred. I [only] have time to build Cameroon with you,” said Kamto while addressing the crowd in Paris on May 31 2025.

With state security being tightened towards the October 2025 presidential elections, Cameroonians have been cautioned to remain calm and respectful.