• An IED killed seven soldiers in Malende on September 5, raising alarm over election security.
• Opposition parties denounce government failure to secure conflict zones.
• ICG warns up to 15% of voters could be disenfranchised without urgent measures.
On September 5, 2025, an improvised explosive device in Malende, near Muyuka, killed seven soldiers. The attack underscored the scale of Cameroon’s anglophone crisis and highlighted risks to national stability just a month before the October 12 presidential election.
The incident triggered strong opposition reactions. The MRC, PCRN and SDF accused authorities of failing to secure conflict zones.
Mamadou Mota, interim president of the MRC, said the attack showed the urgency of inclusive dialogue with separatist leaders. He argued that the multiplication of attacks exposed the government’s failure to find a peaceful solution. The MRC warned that the conflict could undermine the credibility of the vote in anglophone regions.
Cabral Libii, leader of the PCRN, stressed security as a national priority, declaring: “The anglophone crisis must end.”
Achille Leudjo of the SDF denounced the weakening of security and social cohesion, the vulnerability of defense forces and the erosion of national unity.
The International Crisis Group (ICG) warned that separatist threats against the vote could deprive up to 15% of the electorate of their right to vote.
The NGO recommended urgent steps, including the release of anglophone political prisoners, the lifting of “ghost town” operations, a halt to hostilities during election week and civilian protection.
Beyond the immediate security threat, the situation exposes growing political tension. The North-West and South-West remain partially under separatist control. The opposition warned that the government lacks capacity to secure local administrations and voting infrastructure.
The MRC and PCRN used insecurity as a political argument to question the government’s election preparedness and the credibility of the process.
The killing of the soldiers is not an isolated case. It signals risks of electoral disruption and conflict escalation, directly affecting turnout and legitimacy. Pressure on the government and separatists to declare a truce before the vote is mounting.
The situation in the South-West represents a key test for the state and international community in ensuring security, peace and respect for electoral rights.
To address risks, the government launched a special security plan ahead of the October 12 election. Defense and security forces intensified patrols, road checks and cordons in sensitive areas of the North-West and South-West. Mobile units were positioned near polling stations.
Authorities mobilized monitoring teams to protect electoral material transport and reinforced coordination between the army, gendarmerie and police. The government also urged citizens to cooperate with security forces and emphasized strict compliance with public order and non-violence during the electoral period.
This article was initially published in French by Thierry Christophe Yamp
Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum