Beyond the ballot, these two Subsection Presidents continue consolidating the party’s foothold within the diaspora, combining mobilisation, discipline and an unyielding commitment to national unity.
In the complex and often turbulent political terrain of the Cameroonian diaspora, sustaining party loyalty requires more than just words. It demands resilience, organisation and a clear ideological compass. These qualities have come to define the leadership of Dr Elvis Mbwoge, Subsection President for North East London, and Sylvain Loning, Subsection President for the North West, – Birmingham, both based in the United Kingdom and longstanding militants of the CPDM.
Their steadfastness was most visible during the 2025 presidential elections, a contest widely acknowledged as challenging, particularly within diaspora communities where political tensions and competing narratives are often amplified. Against this backdrop, the CPDM’s performance in the UK stood out, a result many party insiders attribute to disciplined mobilisation at the grassroots level – work in which Dr Mbwoge and Sylvain Loning played central roles.
These two navigated an environment marked by intense political debate and, at times, calls for unrest. Yet they consistently championed a message of patriotism, peace and institutional stability, organising peaceful marches and urging compatriots to reject voices advocating violence or national fragmentation. Their approach reinforced the CPDM’s long-held position that political change must be pursued through dialogue, legality and respect for the republic.
Reflecting on the 2025 electoral process, Dr Mbwoge has been quick to acknowledge collective effort. “I am thankful to Lady Grace Elone, Section President for Britain and Northern Ireland, and the entire executive for the support during the elections and mobilisation efforts,” he noted, underscoring the importance of teamwork within the party structure. Looking ahead, the two subsection presidents are preparing a thank-you gathering bringing together militants from their respective subsections and beyond. The event is intended both as a gesture of appreciation to party faithful whose loyalty contributed to the CPDM’s strong showing in the UK, and as a strategic forum to chart the next steps. Central to the agenda will be preparations for their statutory subsection conferences. For Sylvain Loning, the lesson of 2025 is clear, political organisation cannot afford complacency. “It is not too early to begin preparing for the next presidential election,” he argues, pointing to the need to expand the party’s reach by enrolling new militants and consolidating existing structures. In his view, the diaspora remains a difficult but decisive battleground where vigilance and proactive engagement are essential. Dr Mbwoge echoes this sentiment, stressing that political awareness is key to avoiding past missteps and ensuring informed participation among militants. For Dr Mbwoge, militancy is not episodic, it is continuous. As subsection presidents, they see their role not merely as election-time foot soldiers, but as long-term custodians of party ideology and grassroots engagement. Their support for President Paul Biya is anchored, they insist, in confidence in his vision for a prosperous, stable and united Cameroon.
Claudette CHIN
