Cameroon:Biya urged to launch 2011 Presidential Campaigns in Buea

By Christopher Ambe Shu

Still undecided whether or not to run for reelection at the forth coming presidential polls in 2011, President Paul Biya may find it difficult to turn down popular calls from within his ruling party, the CPDM ,for him to race for another mandate.

At almost all anniversary ceremonial grounds across the country where CPDM militants assembled on November 6 to celebrate President Biya’s 27 years as Cameroon’s second President, clarion calls were made to Mr. Biya to consider running again.

The anniversary theme was “Let’s Build the Future with President Paul Biya”

In Buea ,CPDM militants not only joined the chorus but went ahead to invite Mr. Biya to launch his presidential campaigns in Buea, which they noted, hosts Mt Cameroon, the highest peak in the country.

The Mayor of Buea and Fako 3 CPDM section President, Charles Mbella Moki(pictured above addressing militants), who on behalf of his section, extended the invitation to President Biya, argued that by launching campaigns on the country’s highest peak, the message would flow easily into to the minds of Cameroonians for appreciation.

State media even reported that in some regions militants pleaded with President Biya to call for early elections.

Conscious of the repeated calls for him to run for reelection, President Biya who is also National Chairman of the ruling CPDM,in his first ever letter to militants on the eve to the anniversary, had acknowledged the calls, describing them as a sign of encouragement.

The anniversary offered an opportunity for CPDM officials to showcase President Biya’s socio-economic, political and diplomatic achievements (read: How Biya Has Modernized Cameroon on this site), as well as dismiss allegations that Mr.Biya is a spendthrift and has ill-gotten wealth hidden abroad. Grassroots militants were also urged to start preparing for future political consultations (elections) so to make the CPDM an all-time victory.

Prime Minster Philemon Yang moved to his division of origin,Bui Division ,to boost anniversary celebrations there, during which he rallied support for President Biya and warned North westerners against making wrong political choice, a veiled reference to the opposition SDF party.

In Mfoundi-Yaounde, CPDM Secretary –General Rene Sadi, who presided over anniversary activities in the City Hall, asked militants to make the nation’s capital the bastion of the CPDM. “We all have to adhere to the policy of our Prsident.What Cameroon is today is thanks to our Prsident”, he said.

In Buea,Hon. Emilia Lifaka,Vice President of Cameroon National Assembly and Hon. Meoto Paul, former Director of Cabinet at the PM’s Office, were also busy rallying support for President Biya.


The story was the same at the different ceremonial grounds across the nation.