Cameroon Faces Persistent Conflicts and Political Tensions Amid 2025 Election Preparations

Government forces continued to clash with Anglophone separatist rebels throughout July. On July 1, militias from the Ambazonia Peoples Liberation Council ambushed and killed two soldiers in the Munyenge area, Fako division (South West). Local sources reported that at least two civilians were killed between July 4-8 in the North West region during military operations aimed at dislodging separatist rebels while participating in bomb searches. The rebels launched multiple attacks on army convoys: on July 6 in Boyo (North West), and on July 11 and 25 in Lebialem and Fako divisions (both South West), though casualties remain unknown. In mid-July, residents of the Francophone community in Bangourain town (West region) expressed outrage following the July 10 kidnapping of two Francophones for ransom. Some local figures attributed the abduction to Anglophone separatists from the neighboring North West region and threatened retaliation, escalating the risk of intercommunal violence.

Boko Haram's attacks in the Far North region persisted amid ongoing security operations. Between July 1-14, jihadists made several incursions into Mayo-Tsanaga, Logone-et-Chari, and Mayo-Sava divisions, looting food and goods. On July 14, militants surrounded a police post in Tourou town, burned vehicles, and killed one gendarme. The following day, they killed four civilians in Sandawajiri town.

Meanwhile, the Multinational Joint Task Force continued Operation Lake Sanity to reclaim territory, reporting on July 9 that dozens of

As the 2025 presidential elections approach, the ruling party is tightening its grip on power. On July 4, authorities suggested that main opposition figure Maurice Kamto might be barred from the presidential race due to his party's lack of parliamentary representation. President Paul Biya signed into law a proposal on July 24 to extend the mandate of parliamentarians and councillors, thereby postponing the 2025 parliamentary and local elections until 2026—a move heavily criticized by the opposition. In a pre-emptive strike against potential protests, an official in the capital, Yaoundé, threatened on July 16 to temporarily ban government critics or those calling for demonstrations from the city. Additionally, on July 31, authorities released on bail a social media activist who had been detained the previous week for encouraging voter registration in videos.

In another significant development, relations between Cameroon and Nigeria showed signs of improvement over border demarcation issues. On June 27, a bilateral commission agreed not to refer three outstanding issues of disagreement to the International Court of Justice, opting for a collaborative approach instead.

The situation in Cameroon remains volatile with ongoing conflicts and a tense political climate as the country prepares for its 2025 presidential elections. The government's efforts to consolidate power and suppress dissent, coupled with persistent insurgencies and intercommunal tensions, contribute to an environment of uncertainty and unrest.

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