The interim leader of the Cameroon Renaissance Movement (CRM), Mamadou Mota, has sharply criticized what he describes as the “militarization of Garoua” by the Ministry of Territorial Administration (MINAT) and the Secretariat of State for Defence (SED).
In an open letter addressed to Prime Minister Joseph Dion Ngute, the opposition figure accuses authorities of deploying excessive security forces in the Northern city following tensions that arose after the October 12 presidential election. Mota warns that the move could “ignite unnecessary conflict” in a region that has remained largely calm throughout the electoral season.
“A Political Provocation, Not Law Enforcement”
In his strongly worded letter, Mota alleges that the heavy security presence in Garoua amounts to a “political provocation disguised as law enforcement.” He contends that such measures risk intimidating civilians and deepening mistrust between citizens and the state.
“The current militarization of Garoua is not an act of law enforcement; it is an irresponsible political provocation, a show of force whose only consequence will be to intimidate, exasperate, and ultimately destabilize an already fragile region,” he writes.
The CRM leader draws a pointed parallel with the conflict in Cameroon’s North-West and South-West Regions, blaming what he calls “arrogance and contempt for dialogue” by some government officials for the escalation of that crisis.
“This same policy of blind repression,” he warns, “helped ignite the tragedy in the NOSO. Thousands died, and hundreds of thousands were displaced. Are we now going to repeat the same mistake in Garoua?”
Call for Immediate De-Escalation
Mota’s letter urges the Prime Minister to act swiftly by ordering the withdrawal of what he describes as “unnecessary and provocative troops.” He insists that national stability depends on dialogue and civic respect rather than intimidation.
“Disarm Garoua,” he appeals. “End this gunboat policy that has elsewhere only bred terror and rebellion. Justice and peace are not achieved through intimidation, but through respect and the rule of law.”
The opposition figure warns that government silence or inaction would amount to “tacit endorsement of a dangerous drift”, making the Prime Minister “not the guarantor of national unity but the accountant of the next tragedy.”
Government Yet to Respond
As of Tuesday evening, neither MINAT nor the SED had issued a public statement responding to Mota’s accusations.
However, government sources have consistently maintained that security deployments in the North are aimed at preventing unrest and protecting electoral materials as the post-election process continues.
The Constitutional Council is expected to begin reviewing tallies and petitions in the coming days before officially proclaiming the results of the October 12 vote.
Political analysts say Mota’s open letter underscores the rising tension among opposition parties, many of whom have questioned the transparency of the electoral process while urging calm among their supporters.
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