The turnout stood out against the backdrop of the prolonged armed conflict in the North West Region and came years after the passing of the party's founding chairman, Ni John Fru Ndi. For many supporters, the gathering carried both political and symbolic significance.
The National Day was commemorated under the theme: "National Unity: backbone of our fefence system, bedrock of Cameroon’s development." Yet beyond the official national message, the atmosphere along Commercial Avenue reflected a renewed political energy from a party seeking to reconnect with its traditional support base.
Regional Chairman Fongu Cletus Tanwe, who also serves as mayor of the only SDF-led council in the region, told Hilltopvoices that the large participation formed part of the party's wider "Take Back Bamenda" operation, an initiative aimed at restoring the party's visibility and influence in a city long considered an opposition stronghold.
"We didnt come here on for a march, we are that Bamenda is standing up again," Fongu Cletus Tanwe said.
"For years people have spoken as if fear had defeated hope. Today our militants have shown that the SDF spirit remains alive and rooted in this city."
He said the campaign seeks to reconnect with supporters and reclaim political space.
"Bamenda has always been the heartbeat of democratic expression. We are beginning the process of taking back our city politically, socially and psychologically."
"We are not gathering people for a spectacle. We are rebuilding confidence. We are rebuilding participation. We are rebuilding Bamenda."
Some young participants said the difficult situation in the town had not weakened their commitment to the party.
"We remain loyal SDF militants," one youth supporter said. "Whatever the circumstances, we are ready to reclaim council seats and parliamentary seats."
Another participant described the turnout as evidence that the party still commands grassroots support despite years of insecurity and political uncertainty.
For older supporters, the event also revived memories of the movement's early years in the 1990s when mass political rallies became defining moments in Bamenda's political history.
A woman in her late 50s whose name we go as Jennet said she overcame transport difficulties caused by a widespread stay at home shutdown observed in parts of the region in order to participate.
"In the 1990s, when I was much younger, I trekked from Bambui to Bamenda just to attend SDF rallies," she recalled. "Today I still came because this party is part of our history."
The large turnout may signal an attempt by the SDF to reassert itself in a political landscape reshaped by conflict, shifting loyalties and the absence of its iconic founder. Whether the momentum extends beyond symbolic mobilisation into electoral gains remains to be seen, but for one day at least, Commercial Avenue echoed with memories of Bamenda's once vibrant political street culture.
By Bakah Derick for Hilltopvoices Web
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1 Comments
Reminiscent of the SDF political hey days
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