Douala erupts as security blocks Maurice Kamto amid rising tensions before Cameroon’s crucial presidential election.

On Sunday, tensions erupted in Douala as supporters of Maurice Kamto’s Cameroon Renaissance Movement (MRC) clashed with security forces blocking access to the party’s regional headquarters. Activists attempted to enter the building but were stopped by police and military personnel, sparking confrontations that underscored the mounting political friction.

Starting Saturday, authorities restricted movement in parts of Douala, including major roads and the airport, barring motorcycle taxi drivers from operating in these areas. These measures were taken ahead of Kamto’s anticipated arrival, as he planned to hold a key meeting at the party’s regional office. The heavy security presence and restrictions raised questions among residents and party supporters about the government’s intentions.

Kouati Robert, a fervent Kamto supporter, voiced his doubts about the unusual level of attention from the ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM). “They say Professor Maurice Kamto is arriving. Why does the CPDM need to advertise that? Isn’t it the government’s or the army’s job to stay neutral instead of promoting a political figure?” he questioned, reflecting widespread skepticism.

On Sunday, Kamto shared a video message claiming that police had confined him to his home, preventing him from reaching the MRC headquarters. This incident highlighted the increasing restrictions placed on opposition figures ahead of the upcoming presidential election.

Cameroon is gearing up for presidential polls scheduled for October amid a tense political climate. Since independence in 1960, President Paul Biya’s CPDM has ruled the country without interruption. Kamto, who contested the 2018 election, officially won about 14 percent of the vote—a result he and his supporters have disputed.

President Biya, Africa’s second-longest-serving leader, is expected to pursue an unprecedented eighth term. The lead-up to the election has seen a surge in arbitrary arrests, intimidation tactics, and bans on demonstrations, fueling concerns over the electoral process’s fairness.

The events in Douala reflect broader challenges facing Cameroon as it approaches a critical electoral milestone. They underscore the ongoing struggle for political freedom and the right to opposition in a nation long dominated by a single party.