In a statement released from Yaounde on Tuesday this week, Maurice Kamto described the welcome he received from his supporters in Douala in the Littoral Region as “memorable” and “courageous,” given the heightened security presence and administrative hurdles that was imposed by authorities.
The president of the Cameroon Renaissance Movement, CRM Party and declared presidential hopeful for the 2025 elections, Prof Maurice Kamto has expressed heartfelt gratitude to the residents of Douala for the remarkable reception they extended to him during his brief visit to the city on 8 June. In a statement released from Yaounde on June 10, Kamto described the welcome as “memorable” and “courageous,” particularly given the heightened security presence and administrative hurdles imposed by authorities.
Despite no formal public meeting being scheduled, only an internal gathering with party officials at CRM headquarters in Deido, the opposition figure was met by throngs of supporters, an event widely shared on social media and covered in segments by both print and television outlets. “This exceptional mobilization took place in a very tense climate, in a city of Douala in a state of de facto emergency,” Kamto noted, pointing to the significant deployment of law enforcement in an apparent effort to suppress the assembly.
He nonetheless praised both the discipline of his supporters and the restraint shown by many members of the security forces, who, he said, “avoided incidents with unimaginable consequences for our country.” Kamto’s remarks were particularly pointed towards what he described as “unnecessary administrative and police obstacles” orchestrated by the ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement, CPDM party regime. Yet, in his view, the turnout reflected the growing resolve among Cameroonians for peaceful democratic change ahead of the anticipated presidential election. “I would like to congratulate you on this extraordinary demonstration of your vitality and desire for change,” he stated, calling the crowd’s behavior a testament to their civic maturity and commitment to republican values.
The CRM leader also raised concerns over reported abuses against motorcycle taxi drivers, commonly known as “benskineurs”, alleging that some had their vehicles impounded overnight on 8 June on the basis of unverified claims they intended to form a motorcade escort. Kamto further accused certain law enforcement officers of extorting money from these young workers in exchange for returning their motorbikes, and called on the relevant authorities to investigate these reports. Looking ahead, Kamto warned that the 2025 electoral process could be marred by intimidation tactics from those in power, particularly through the manipulation of state security forces.
Nonetheless, he called on the forces of law and order to remain loyal to their constitutional duties and to the Cameroonian people rather than to any political agenda. With voter registration soon closing as the electoral calendar advances, Kamto issued a final rallying cry: “To those who have not yet registered with elections Cameroon, ELECAM, do it now. And for those already registered, go and collect your voter cards. Invite your relatives and friends to do the same.” The statement, issued just days after Kamto’s high-profile appearance at the MK2025 rally in Paris on 31 May, further consolidates his campaign momentum, as opposition supporters rally behind his call for peaceful but determined democratic transition.
