Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Mimi Mefo Info
Published on 2024-03-13 17:53:02
In a strong statement published yesterday, the Minister of Territorial Administration warns associations and political parties involved in the coalition for change. He also promises reprisals against those who dare to hold political meetings under the banner of these movements.
The statement by Paul Atanga Nji, Minister of Territorial Administration, published on March 12th, has all the hallmarks of a declaration of war. In his press release, of which we have a copy, Paul Atanga Nji notes that “certain political leaders seeking notoriety and in disregard of current regulations have set up two pseudo associations called ‘Political Alliances for Change’ and ‘Alliance for a Political Transition in Cameroon’ in view of the 2025 presidential elections”. Despite the illegal nature of these movements, their promoters hold meetings, press conferences, and consultations with the aim of recruiting new members,” writes Paul Atanga Nji.
The Minister of Territorial Administration laments that “the promoters of these clandestine movements have gone to meet with terrorists in prison who have been definitively sentenced for serious crimes planned and orchestrated in the Northwest and Southwest regions in order to form political alliances,” he adds. While recalling certain provisions of the law, Paul Atanga Nji warns: “any attempt to organize any activity under the aforementioned appellations or any other similar denominations will henceforth be considered a casus belli by the Minat,” he concludes, calling on administrative authorities to take action.
This statement amounts to a real attempt at intimidation at a time when political parties are already engaged in the early stages of the campaign. What is most curious is that Paul Atanga Nji’s threats are in conflict with the law. Lawyer Ntimbane Bomo believes that the Minister of Territorial Administration does not understand the law. “Alliances between parties and political actors aimed at exploring the conditions for a transition or future coalition preparing for the presidential election cannot be assimilated to associations. These are rather frameworks for consultation, peaceful meetings in private places that do not require any declaration as provided for by law No. 90/055 of December 19, 1990 concerning public demonstrations and meetings. This attempt to assimilate frameworks for consultation to associations in order to ban them simply amounts to an abuse of power.”
Furthermore, the response from the parties concerned was not long in coming. “Your ridiculous ultimatums will not detract from the momentum that has already been set in motion, if you are so determined to remain in power, work instead on gaining the trust of the majority of Cameroonians for additional mandates,” wrote Rolande Ngo Issi, a member of the PCRN.
In turn, Cabral Libii has called a meeting of his political bureau to discuss his party’s contribution to the platform of political parties and civil associations for a political transition.
On his part, Jean Michel Nintcheu, the leader of the Alliance for Change, reminded Paul Atanga Nji of a few facts: “Since he has been in his current position, Mr. Minister has seen the Platform for Constitutional Reform of the Electoral System in action. Furthermore, he led the establishment of the coalition of twenty political parties known as the G20 opposition, which supported Mr. Paul BIYA’s candidacy in the presidential election of October 2018. It should be noted that political coalitions have no legal existence other than that of their members. Therefore, the APC does not feel concerned by the threats contained in this Minat press release.”
Joseph ESSAMA
Read the original article(French) on Mimi Mefo Info
