The Territorial administration minister has assured that the October 12 presidential election will unfold peacefully, firmly declaring that, just like in 1992, Cameroon ‘will not be shaken.’ He made the statement while addressing the nation’s ten regional governors at their first biannual security conference in Yaoundé yesterday.
With less than 90 days to Cameroon’s highly anticipated 2025 presidential election, the government has taken a firm stance to maintain peace, order, and stability across the national territory. The message was delivered on July 16, by the Minister of Territorial Administration, Paul Atanga Nji, as he opened the first biannual conference of regional governors for the year at the Yaounde city council. Speaking before the ten regional governors and other high-ranking officials, Minister Atanga Nji outlined strict directives aimed at preventing any form of unrest before, during, and after the October 12 polls.
He emphasized the state’s zero-tolerance policy towards incitement to insurrection, defamation of institutions, and acts of intimidation targeting public authorities. “Any attempt to destabilize the Republic will be met with the full force of the law,” Atanga Nji stated, adding that “Cameroon will not be shaken—before, during, or after the 2025 presidential election.” The Minister reiterated that while the country faces challenges in certain regions, the overall national security situation remains stable, thanks to the strategic guidance of President Paul Biya. The ongoing two-day conference is primarily focused on preparing regional administrators to manage security and public order during the electoral period.
Regional governors are expected to coordinate closely with defense and security forces to ensure the protection of electoral officials, polling stations, and voting materials. In addition to electoral security, governors will present detailed reports on the political, economic, social, and cultural climate in their respective regions. The session also includes private briefings with senior security officials. The Secretary of State at the Ministry of Defense in charge of the National Gendarmerie, Galax Etoga, and the General Delegate for National Security, Martin Mbarga Nguélé, are among those updating the governors on situational risks and response strategies. Atanga Nji also addressed the political landscape ahead of the election, declaring that the Cameroon Renaissance Movement, CRM, will not be allowed to field a candidate in the upcoming polls.
However, he acknowledged that the party’s leader may choose to support another candidate or run as a simple Cameroonian in accordance with the electoral code. The Minister praised President Paul Biya’s leadership, crediting him for preserving the country’s unity and resilience over the years. In a segment of his speech highlighted by reporters, Atanga Nji declared: “Thanks to the foresight of His Excellency Mr. Paul Biya, Cameroon remains a stable and resilient nation. His firmness in the face of those who preach division and chaos has preserved our unity.”
The biannual governor’s conference continues today at the Hilton Hotel in Yaoundé, where final deliberations and strategic planning will take place. Authorities have made it clear that the state is fully mobilized to safeguard the electoral process and the nation’s democratic institutions. As Cameroon moves closer to the October 12 vote, the tone from the top is unmistakable: peace and order are non-negotiable.
Governors reaffirm regional stability, election preparedness across Cameroon
As the countdown to Cameroon’s October 12, 2025, presidential election continues, regional governors have voiced strong confidence in the state of security and administrative readiness across the country. Speaking during the first biannual conference of governors in Yaoundé, three key regional leaders, representing the South-West, West, and Adamawa, shared encouraging updates from their respective jurisdictions.
