BAS vs. Biya: Will Diaspora Activists Shape Cameroon’s 2025 Elections?

In recent years, the BAS has evolved into a significant force, gaining both supporters and critics as it continues to challenge the government’s legitimacy and call for political change. Their tactics—ranging from protests to direct confrontations with government officials abroad—have reignited debates about the role of the diaspora in shaping Cameroon’s political future.

Who Are the BAS and What Do They Stand For?

The Brigade Anti-Sardinards (BAS), formed in October 2018 in Paris, describes itself as a collective of Cameroonian activists opposed to President Paul Biya, his government, and his supporters. It emerged as a direct reaction to the controversial 2018 presidential elections, which saw Biya re-elected amid allegations of electoral fraud and repression.

Unlike traditional opposition parties within Cameroon, the BAS operates primarily from the diaspora, with a presence in countries like France, Belgium, the United States, and Germany. It has positioned itself as an alternative opposition force, using activism, protests, and international pressure to expose alleged human rights abuses and governance failures in Cameroon.

The movement claims to be secular and apolitical, but its activities suggest otherwise. While its initial mission was to unite the Cameroonian diaspora against what it calls "a dictatorship," it has since grown into a pressure group that directly confronts state officials abroad and targets pro-government figures.

Recent BAS Actions and Government Response

In the past few weeks, BAS activists have escalated their protests, demonstrating outside Cameroonian embassies and confronting government officials traveling overseas. Key incidents include:

• The disruption of Minister of Justice Laurent Esso’s delegation in Belgium, where BAS members clashed with government supporters.
• Protests outside the White House in Washington D.C., denouncing Biya’s prolonged stay in power.
• The ransacking of the Cameroon Embassy in Paris and preventing pro-CPDM (ruling party) musicians from performing in France and Germany.

While BAS supporters argue that these actions are legitimate protests against authoritarian rule, government officials have labeled them as acts of "extremism and vandalism." The Cameroon Embassy in Belgium strongly condemned their actions, calling them "a serious violation of diplomatic integrity." Officials have also accused opposition leader Maurice Kamto of having ties to the BAS, a claim that Kamto and his party, the MRC (Mouvement pour la Renaissance du Cameroun), have denied.

A Divided Opposition and the Path Forward

One of the biggest challenges facing the Cameroonian opposition is division and lack of coordination. While BAS has successfully mobilized diaspora activism, it lacks the structural organization and political influence needed to translate its protests into tangible electoral change.

Moreover, the government has used the movement’s actions as a pretext to clamp down on opposition voices within Cameroon. This was evident in the recent summoning of political analyst Parfait Mbvoum after he remarked in a televised debate that "BAS is an opportunity for Cameroon." His comments, referencing former Ivorian President Laurent Gbagbo’s statement that "when institutions are blocked, coups become necessary," sparked controversy and led to his interrogation by security forces.

This incident highlights the fragile state of political expression in Cameroon, where even discussing opposition movements can lead to legal consequences.

The BAS and Cameroon’s 2025 Presidential Election

As Cameroon prepares for elections, BAS will likely play a disruptive but influential role. The government sees them as a threat to stability, while opposition supporters view them as a necessary force for accountability. The key question remains: Can the BAS transition from a protest movement into a structured political force capable of influencing electoral outcomes?

For now, the battle lines have been drawn. While Biya’s government continues to maintain a firm grip on power, the BAS and other opposition movements remain determined to challenge the status quo. As the election nears, international attention will once again be focused on Cameroon’s political future and whether change can be achieved through democratic means.