Paul Atanga Nji
Paul Atanga Nji is a Cameroonian politician who has served as the Minister of Territorial Administration since 2018. He is a member of the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement, the ruling political party in Cameroon.
Early life and education
Paul Atanga Nji was born in 1960 in the Bamenda, Northwest Region of Cameroon.Career
Political career
Atanga Nji's political career began in earnest in the 1990s when he took on various roles within the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement. He gained prominence for his loyalty to President Paul Biya and was seen as a representative of the party's interests in the Anglophone regions of Cameroon.In 2018, he was appointed as the Minister of Territorial Administration by Biya, succeeding René Sadi. This role made him responsible for overseeing the internal security of the country, managing administrative divisions, and coordinating with regional governors. His tenure as Minister has coincided with the Anglophone Crisis, a period of political unrest and violence in Cameroon's Northwest and Southwest Regions, which are predominantly English-speaking. On 9 October, Atanga Nji banned media outlets in the country from discussing the president's health.
Controversies
Throughout his tenure, Atanga Nji has been a controversial figure in Cameroonian politics. Critics have accused him of being dismissive of the concerns of Anglophone communities and of failing to address the root causes of the Anglophone Crisis. His strong rhetoric against opposition groups and international organizations has also drawn criticism, particularly regarding his approach to foreign intervention and advocacy groups.Personal life
Atanga Nji is married to, a banker.He is known for his close ties to the inner circle of President Paul Biya's administration, and is considered one of the most influential Anglophone politicians within the CPDM