Cameroon: Security forces block opposition rally as election tensions mount

Political tensions escalated in Douala Sunday as security forces clashed with supporters of opposition leader Maurice Kamto,preventing access to the headquarters his party,the Movement for the Renaissance of Cameroon (MRC),ahead of October’s presidential elections.

Authorities had restricted movement in parts of the city and around the airport since Saturday,anticipating Kamto’s arrival for a scheduled regional party meeting. The heavy security presence sparked confrontations as MRC activists attempted to reach their blocked headquarters,highlighting growing pre-election tensions in Cameroon.

Kamto posted a video Sunday claiming police were holding him at his residence and preventing him from reaching party headquarters. The opposition leader officially received 14% of votes in the disputed 2018 presidential election,though his supporters contest those results.

President Biya,Africa’s second-longest serving leader,whose Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement party has dominated since 1960,is expected to seek an eighth term in October’s elections. The 91-year-old has ruled Cameroon for over four decades,maintaining tight control over the political landscape.

The pre-election period has witnessed increased arbitrary arrests,intimidation tactics,and demonstration bans,according to opposition groups. Sunday’s confrontations exemplify mounting tensions as Cameroon approaches crucial elections,with opposition parties struggling to organize amid government restrictions. The security crackdown raises concerns about democratic space and fair electoral competition in the Central African nation.