NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR A BRAVE HEART No. 00066/17-09/RDPF-KUMZSE/ADN-2025.
THE CANDIDATE, PRESIDENT BELLO BOUBA MAÏGARI, THE MAN OF RENEWAL AND REVIVAL
LET’S VOTE FOR THE LONG-AWAITED AND IRREVERSIBLE CHANGE!
Dear Cameroonians, dear candidates,
For over 65 years, Cameroon has depended entirely on imports to equip its army. Just yesterday, President Paul Biya received a new batch of military equipment, a strong symbol of this ongoing dependence. Yet, this situation heavily burdens our national budget, especially with the conflicts occurring within our territory.
Under the ambitious vision of President Bello Bouba Maïgari, Cameroon is about to take a historic step: creating its first assembly unit for heavy military equipment and starting local production of light arms. This strategy marks the beginning of industrial autonomy in defense, a key element for our country’s sovereignty and stability.
Why is this project such a huge challenge?
A colossal investment
Producing weapons and military vehicles requires modern factories, advanced technologies, and complex processes. Budgets dedicated to social development (health, education, infrastructure) have long limited funds available for a military industry.
The challenge of technical skills
Cameroon must develop specific scientific and industrial expertise, which will take time and require specialized training.
Difficult budget priorities
Despite rising military expenditures — with an average of 204.53 million USD annually between 1970 and 2023, and a peak of 456.10 million USD in 2023 — the Defense budget remains a fraction of national necessities.
Historic dependence on imported equipment
Since independence, the Cameroonian army has relied on foreign manufacturers. Transitioning to a local industry is therefore a major strategic shift.
A global context to consider
To succeed, Cameroon will need to build strong partnerships with major military powers such as the United States, Russia, China, and Israel. These agreements will be essential to transfer technologies, provide technical training, and ensure assembly meets international standards.
Crucial stakes:
Reduce the exorbitant costs linked to repeated imports.
Create highly skilled jobs and develop Cameroonian know-how.
Master the quality and maintenance of our military equipment.
Strengthen our strategic autonomy in a often unstable region.
Candidates, leaders, and citizens, this ambition requires your attention, constructive critique, and mobilization. Let us not allow this vital project to become just another slogan. It is a unique opportunity to invest in Cameroon’s future, peace, and security.
Together, let’s make this drive for military autonomy our national pride with President Bello Bouba MAÏGARI.
Fraternally yours,
Dr. NDEMMANU Antoine De Padoue, Ph.D. in Social Economics.
National President of RDPF-KUMZSE.
Former Presidential Candidate on October 12, 1997.
Contact: (+237) 690 922 056 / 670 655 614.
