The Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM) celebrated its 40th anniversary in grand style in the Douala IV Municipality, Wouri Division. The event, hosted by the Bonassama subsection, gathered party supporters, local officials, and CPDM Wouri IV Section members in a vibrant demonstration of loyalty and commitment to the ruling party.
The ceremony was marked by speeches emphasizing party achievements, mobilization for the upcoming presidential elections, and a renewed call for unity under the leadership of party chairman President Paul Biya. The WCPDM President of Bonassama subsection, Enganaline Pascaline, delivered the welcome address, highlighting the importance of this milestone in the party’s history.
Dr. Édouard Hervé MOBY MPAH, Mayor of Douala IV and CPDM Section President, set the tone for the celebration with a powerful address. “Today marks 40 years of stability, peace, justice, and progress under the leadership of our charismatic President Paul Biya,” he declared, reinforcing the party’s commitment to national development.
He went on to list significant achievements in the Douala IV municipality, including infrastructure projects such as the expansion of Wouri bridge, new schools, roads, health centers, high schools, and multi-purpose centers, as well as improvements in water and electricity access.
The mayor also reminded attendees of the importance of the upcoming presidential elections, urging every party member to actively participate in voter registration efforts. “To ensure victory, we need more people registered to vote,” he stressed. “We must all stand behind President Paul Biya for a clear, transparent, and undisputed win in 2025.”
A Rallying Call for Strength and Readiness
CPDM Central Committee Representative Camille Ekindi delivered a passionate speech, emphasizing the role of party members in securing electoral success. He urged everyone to understand their responsibilities and to be prepared for the battle ahead.
“The key point is to be ready,” he stated. “Today’s demonstration is a test of our strength. We need numbers, voices, and unity to show our power.” He further reinforced the importance of adhering to circular letter 001 from January 10, 2024, which outlines the party’s strategy for mobilizing voters.
Ekindi detailed the eight key directives from the CPDM leadership, which include:
1. Ensuring party members and supporters are registered to vote.
2. Strengthening CPDM’s presence with the right people.
3. Verifying that all CPDM officials are properly registered in their respective units.
4. Conducting voter list verification.
5. Confirming that past CPDM voters remain on the electoral roll.
6. Placing CPDM representatives in local electoral review committees.
7. Coordinating voter card collection efforts.
8. Ensuring a firm grasp on voter data and registration figures.
He ended his speech by calling on all CPDM members to focus on mobilization and party discipline, ensuring that the party remains dominant in the upcoming elections.
Voices from the Community: Mixed Reactions from Bonaberi Residents
While the CPDM’s achievements were widely recognized, some residents of Bonaberi expressed mixed feelings about the celebration. Mr. Chuta Edmond, also known as “Bawok Boy,” shared his thoughts:
“We say happy birthday to CPDM as they celebrate, but given the critical situation in the country with the upcoming elections, we need to see real change. President Biya once referred to Bamenda as his second home, but he hardly visits. I hope he remembers the promises he made to that region.”
When asked about the impact of the celebration in his area, Chuta replied:
“I don’t feel much activity around me, but I know something is going on. The CPDM has achieved many things over the years—look at the universities we now have in places like Bamenda. But we need more. As the elections approach, they should also recognize that change is necessary.”
He further emphasized that CPDM should prepare for a transition of leadership:
“President Biya has led for many years, and he deserves rest. The CPDM should start preparing to hand over power to someone else. If they do it properly, Cameroonians will respect them even more.”
A Party with Deep Roots and National Impact
The CPDM, founded in Bamenda in 1985, has played a dominant role in Cameroon’s political landscape. Despite its historical significance, Bamenda—described by President Paul Biya as his “second home”—has seen few visits from the party chairman due to ongoing sociopolitical tensions in the region. However, party supporters remain steadfast in their belief that the CPDM continues to work toward national unity and development.
A Unified Vision for the Future
Despite differing opinions, the CPDM anniversary celebration in Douala IV was a proof to the party’s enduring influence. The event ended with a motion of support and cutting of anniversary cake as party members reaffirmed their support for President Biya’s leadership.
As the 2025 elections approach, the CPDM remains focused on its strategy: unity, mobilization, and maintaining its position as Cameroon’s ruling party. With voter registration efforts in full swing, the coming months will be crucial in determining the party’s future at the national level.
By Betrand Ntumnyuy
