Thousands of supporters of the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM), traditional rulers, political leaders and elites of the West Region gathered in Bafoussam on Saturday, July 25, to express their gratitude to President Paul Biya following the election of Rt. Hon. Théodore Datouo as Speaker of the National Assembly.
The mega rally, held at the Toket Omnisports Stadium, was organised by the political elite and "living forces" of the West Region barely four months after Datouo, a Member of Parliament from the Upper Plateau Division, was elected to head the country's lower house of Parliament.
The event was intended to thank President Biya, National President of the CPDM, for the confidence placed in Datouo, whose election on March 17, 2026, marked the end of the more than three-decade tenure of his predecessor, Cavaye Yéguié Djibril.
Preparations for the rally had been underway for several weeks under the coordination of the Head of the West Regional CPDM Permanent Central Committee Delegation, Dr. Komidor Njimoluh Hamidou. Party officials repeatedly called on militants, elites and supporters from across the region to turn out in large numbers as a demonstration of appreciation and unity.
Ahead of the event, Speaker Datouo received a warm welcome on his arrival in the West Region. At Tonga, he was received by the Governor of the West Region, Awa Fonka Augustine, members of government, parliamentarians, traditional rulers and a large crowd of supporters before proceeding to Bafoussam for the meeting.
During the rally, speakers described Datouo's election as a source of pride for the West Region and reaffirmed their support for President Biya and the CPDM. They also called on party supporters to remain united and mobilised ahead of the forthcoming municipal and parliamentary elections.
The gathering was also used to showcase the region's political support for the ruling party. Organisers had projected a massive turnout, with reports ahead of the event indicating that between 26,000 and 30,000 people were expected to attend the meeting.
Datouo's elevation to the position of Speaker, has been widely celebrated within the CPDM, with party officials describing it as recognition of his long political career and service to both the ruling party and the National Assembly.
The Bafoussam rally therefore served both as a thanksgiving event for the Speaker's election and as a political mobilisation exercise for the ruling party as Cameroon prepares for the next municipal and parliamentary elections.
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