Says democracy, not disorder will win
By Ikome Christie-Noella Eposi in Buea
As Cameroon moves towards the October 12 Presidential Election, Minister of Territorial Administration, Paul Atanga Nji has underscored the need for unity, vigilance, and civic responsibility. Addressing a high-level security evaluation meeting at the South West Governor’s office in Buea on Tuesday, September 23, the Minister stressed that democracy, not individual candidates, must be the ultimate victor of the upcoming polls.
Fresh from a similar tour in the Center and East Regions, Atanga Nji arrived in Buea for the third leg of his nationwide mission, which he said was carried out under the direct instructions of President Paul Biya. He was received by South West Governor, Bernard Okalia Bilai, alongside Senior Divisional Officers (SDOs), Divisional Officers (DOs), defense and security officials, and representatives of Elections Cameroon (ELECAM).
“The Head of State has made it clear; the October 12 election must be conducted in a peaceful and serene atmosphere. Preventive measures must be taken before, during, and after the polls,” Atanga Nji declared. He reminded participants that ELECAM remains the independent body responsible for organising elections, while his ministry and security services are tasked with guaranteeing the safety and credibility of the process.
-A call for responsibility and humility
In a speech that was both cautionary and exhortative, the Minister urged political actors to demonstrate maturity. “Candidates must recognise their true weight. If a party is only present in five divisions out of 58, or 30 subdivisions out of 360, it is unrealistic to expect victory,” he stated.
He warned against reckless rhetoric and divisive behaviour, urging contenders to refrain from hate speech, tribalism, and intimidation. Instead, he encouraged them to use legal channels to address any electoral grievances. “No one should take the law into their own hands. Petitions should be channeled to the competent authorities,” he emphasised.
Atanga Nji also reminded candidates of their moral responsibility to serve as examples to the population. “Being a candidate alone is a mark of importance, but participation must go hand in hand with promoting national unity and cohesion,” he said.
-Security assurances and separatist crisis
Turning to the security situation in the South West Region, the Minister reassured the public that measures had been put in place to ensure stability. “The forces of law and order are on high alert. We are confident that the election will proceed without incident,” he told the gathering.
At the same time, he issued a stern warning to separatist fighters still operating in the bushes. “Break time is over. The Head of State has extended the greatest concession possible by offering the Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR) centers. Those who surrender are learning trades and rebuilding their lives. But those who persist are only working for Lucifer,” Atanga Nji declared bluntly.
He condemned attacks on schools, hospitals, churches, and public infrastructure, describing such acts as self-inflicted marginalisation. “When you burn classrooms, health centers, or block roads, you are hurting your own community. That is not marginalisation by others; it is Anglophones marginalising Anglophones,” he said.
The Minister also appealed to parents to take greater responsibility. “These fighters are not from Mars or Jupiter; they are our children. Parents must stop shielding them and instead encourage them to drop their weapons. No family should benefit from blood money,” he cautioned.
-The media and civil society’s role
Acknowledging the influence of journalists and civil society, the Minister called on them to play their roles responsibly. He highlighted ELECAM’s adoption of a code of conduct to guide candidates and political parties, while MINAT has prepared legal frameworks and observer guidelines to ensure transparency.
“The media must avoid amplifying hate speech and instead contribute to national cohesion. Observers and civil society actors must also respect their roles,” he added.
-Protecting Cameroon’s image
Throughout his address, Minister Atanga Nji repeatedly emphasised that Cameroon’s democratic process is “irreversible” and must be safeguarded. “Cameroon is Africa in miniature, a nation respected worldwide. We cannot jeopardise our unity and reputation because of the ambitions of a few,” he noted.
He further stressed that national institutions must be preserved and strengthened. “The election should not divide us. On October 12, democracy itself must be the winner,” he concluded.
The meeting ended with a closed-door strategy session involving SDOs, DOs, and security chiefs, aimed at fine-tuning operations to guarantee a hitch-free election.
As Cameroonians prepare to cast their votes in what has been described as “the mother of all elections,” the message from Buea was clear: peace, responsibility, and unity are non-negotiable pillars for a credible outcome