On October 8, 2025, some 94 vehicles were handed over to Senior Divisional Officers and Divisional Officers from all ten regions of the country. The handover which took place in Yaounde was coordinated by the Minister of Territorial Administration, Paul Atanga Nji who said he was acting on instructions of the President Paul Biya. The donation, asking the administrators, he mentioned, was to ensure the smooth running of the regional and presidential elections.
“You must take care of these vehicles” the minister cautioned and urged them to use the vehicles exclusively for official duties. Speaking at the event, he praised President Biya for what he said were his continuous efforts in improving working conditions for administrators.
But many Cameroonians seem to think otherwise. Coming a few weeks after Cameroon engaged in more foreign debt, many think the donation exercise is more politically inclined as it comes days to the Presidential election.
“They gave orphans and widows (Cameroonians without salary) rice for 12,000frs and gave cars worth millions to Divisional Officers (Cameroonians with well-paid salaries) cars worth millions. This is injustice, this is oppressive, this is marginalisation, this doesn’t reflect the fatherly heart of leaders,” activist John Neba Suh stated.
The handing of cars to the administrators for overview of the upcoming election ois one of multiple donations witnessed over the past days. In the University of Buea, a brand new bus was handed to the institution in the name ofPresident Biya, as well as foodstuff and fuel to commercial bike riders in Bamenda, North west region.
Despite the mobilisation from the ruling Cameroon Peoples Democratic Movement (CPDM) party, its candidate, the incumbent President Paul Biya has been spotted just once on the campaign trail. Visiting Maroua, in the Far North region, the 92-year-old said he would continue to pursue his vision for the country.