In December the president, Paul Biya, travelled to the opposition-dominated North West province for the first time in almost 20 years for the Armed Forces' 50th anniversary celebrations. Although Mr Biya is yet to officially announce his candidacy for the 2011 presidential election due later this year, he appeared to be seeking votes during his visit by promising a university, roads and electricity to the region. His rare visit to the impoverished anglophone region took place amid tight security, although few signs of protests were visible despite prior threats from local political groups. People in North West province have long accused the regime of neglecting the region, and the area has been the major support base of the largest opposition party, the Social Democratic Front (SDF), since the first multiparty elections in 1992. It has also been the scene of occasional outbreaks of political violence and the centre of anglophone federalist and secessionist movements.

Consequently, scepticism was expressed as to whether the government will deliver on its promises or whether these were merely populist rhetoric. Similar pledges have been made to the region with little or no improvement on the ground. Mr Biya's most popular promise was the creation of a university in the region's capital, Bamenda, and within days the local higher education institution was upgraded to a university by a presidential decree. A group of community leaders immediately established a development fund to raise money to equip the university; however, since no provisions for its improvement have been made in the 2011 budget, its development may be slow and gradual. On the other hand, the president may seek to fast-track projects to increase his electoral support.