Diaspora & International News
Brussels, Belgium — The Cameroonian diaspora community in Belgium erupted in protest this afternoon after the Constitutional Council officially rejected the candidacy of Professor Maurice Kamto for the upcoming October 12, 2025, presidential election.
An angry crowd gathered outside the Cameroonian Embassy in Brussels, demanding answers and denouncing what they described as a “blatant miscarriage of justice” and an “orchestrated exclusion” of one of the opposition’s most prominent figures.
Eyewitnesses reported that the protest escalated quickly, with embassy windows shattered, documents torn, and diplomatic staff temporarily evacuated. Belgian police intervened swiftly to restore order and secure the premises.
Videos circulating on social media showed protestors waving Cameroonian flags and chanting “Non à l’injustice!” (“No to injustice!”), while others lit candles and held placards accusing the Constitutional Council of being “an extension of the regime.”
No injuries have been confirmed at this time, but local police have announced an investigation into potential acts of vandalism and threats to diplomatic personnel.
Political Analysis
Kamto’s Rejection: Legal Grounds or Political Earthquake?
The Constitutional Council’s rejection of Maurice Kamto’s candidacy marks a significant turning point in the 2025 presidential race. While the decision was justified on legal grounds—reportedly due to procedural irregularities involving his controversial nomination by a splinter faction of the MANIDEM party—it carries deep political consequences both at home and abroad.
Three Key Implications
1. Diaspora Discontent Amplified
The violent reaction in Belgium is a clear signal of growing frustration among Cameroonian expatriates. The diaspora, often more politically vocal and better connected via digital platforms, could intensify international scrutiny on Cameroon’s electoral process.
2. Opposition Fragmentation Exposed
The Kamto–MANIDEM alliance was shaky from the start, riddled with internal legal disputes and questions about legitimacy. By anchoring his candidacy to a divided party structure, Kamto may have strategically miscalculated, giving ELECAM and the Constitutional Council an opening to disqualify him.
3. CPDM Positioned to Consolidate Control
With the elimination of a major challenger, the ruling CPDM and its candidate—incumbent President Paul Biya—are now better positioned to dominate the electoral landscape. The focus may now shift to fringe candidates whose national footprint and party machinery pale in comparison.
However, this move could backfire. If the rejection is widely perceived as undemocratic or politically motivated, it risks galvanizing domestic unrest or delegitimizing the outcome of the vote in the eyes of international observers.
Final Word
The Cameroonian government must tread carefully. The constitutional legality of Kamto’s rejection will be debated, but the political fallout is already here. The Embassy incident in Belgium may just be the first spark in a long, hot political summer leading to October 12.
Embassey Violence in Belgium Highlights Diaspora Unrest Over Kamto’s Candidacy Rejection
Dr. Julius B Taka - Editor-in-Chief
August 5, 2025