According to reports, while CPDM bigwigs sat comfortably in dry, elevated stands after stepping out of their high-built vehicles, grassroots militants were left in flooded canopies, their feet submerged in rainwater that had accumulated across the venue.
Militants of the ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement, CPDM, endured soggy discomfort during the installation of Prof Nalova Lyonga as Head of the Permanent Divisional Delegation, PDD, of the CPDM Central Committee for Fako Division. The installation ceremony, which took place at Manga Williams Avenue in Limbe, was marred by heavy morning rains that flooded the ceremonial grounds and left attendees drenched and stranded. A heavy downpour turned what was meant to be a moment of political celebration into a test of resilience for militants of the Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement, CPDM, in Limbe.
The installation of Prof Nalova Lyonga as Head of the Permanent Divisional Delegation, PDD, of the CPDM Central Committee for Fako Division took place under challenging weather conditions at Manga Williams Avenue. According to reports, while CPDM bigwigs sat comfortably in dry, elevated stands after stepping out of their high-built vehicles, grassroots militants were left in flooded canopies, their feet submerged in rainwater that had accumulated across the venue. Witnesses described scenes of elderly attendees and persons with disabilities struggling through the dirty water to access the venue, with some being carried by the current. One woman, reportedly an artist scheduled to perform, lost her mobile phone after her handbag got soaked.
Her performance, along with all musical entertainment, was eventually canceled despite being part of the official programme. Despite the unfavourable conditions, the event proceeded, with CPDM South West Regional Coordinator, former Prime Minister Peter Mafany Musonge, represented by Chief Tabe Tando, officiating the installation. In his speech, Musonge congratulated Prof Nalova Lyonga, noting her appointment as a substantive member of the Central Committee and Fako PDD head through decisions signed by party leader President Paul Biya on March 25 and 26, respectively. Musonge hailed Nalova’s deep understanding of Fako Division and her contributions to the CPDM’s growth in the region.
He emphasized that the role of the PDD is not to override existing party structures at the subdivision level but to complement them by fostering party unity and discipline. In her acceptance speech, Prof Nalova Lyonga pledged to consolidate unity within the party, combat hate speech, and revamp the CPDM’s winning streak in the division. A motion of gratitude and support was sent to President Paul Biya at the close of the event. Despite the logistic challenges posed by the weather, the event was symbolically significant for the CPDM’s structure in Fako.
However, the treatment of party militants, who were left to sit in water while elite members remained dry has sparked murmurs of discontent among observers about the party’s sensitivity to grassroots supporters.
