Opposition politicians criticize the Mvila SDO’s directive to parade with Biya’s effigy.
The militants of certain opposition political parties in Cameroon have refused to comply with an order from the SDO for the Mvila Division in the South region. The order was given during a meeting with members of political parties, directing them to display President Paul Biya’s image during a ceremonial march on May 20, 2024.
Henry Kedjiang, National Communication Secretary of the SDF, expressed his frustration, stating, “It’s uncalled for. We will not do that. We cannot be living in a democracy and then be practising authoritarianism. We’re celebrating national unity, not the birthday of President Paul Biya.”
Fah Elvis Tayong, deputy national communication secretary of CRM, argued, “It is abnormal to order political parties like kids. What is wrong with what they have been marching with before? It is unconstitutional.”
Bah Akwen Nadieh, UPC youth wing leader, also voiced his opposition, stating, “It’s an insult to our multi-partyism, democracy, our freedom of belonging, Cameroonians, and even to President Paul Biya.”
These opposition militants believe that the SDO is merely making a mockery of itself. They emphasized that such statements are provocative and could divert attention from critical issues in the country.
Henry Kedjiang and Fah Elvis Tayong expressed their concerns, stating, “When such an official starts making such a statement, it tells you that we are heading towards the end of a regime.”
Bah Akwen Nadieh of the UPC believes that this is a political strategy by the Biya regime to discredit opposition political parties and gain more supporters for the CPDM party.
