Biya, who is 92 years old, has ruled the country for over 40 years, and the opposition frequently accuses him of manipulating elections to retain power.
Opposition figures say that by uniting behind one candidate, they stand a better chance of ending Biya’s long-standing rule. Yet, despite these efforts, every leader involved in the discussions insists on running for president themselves.
Prince Ekosso leader of the United Socialist Democratic Party, is among those vying for the presidency. He argues that the eventual candidate should advocate for Cameroon to become a Federal Republic, recognising the country’s English- and French-speaking regions as two federal states with distinct cultural and historical identities.
“My decision to run is based on a vision of ‘one nation, two systems’ within a federal framework,” Ekosso explained. “I believe I have both the strength and the integrity to address Cameroon’s challenges, especially the ongoing crisis in the English-speaking regions.”
Civil society groups warn that a divided opposition could hand an easy victory to Biya, allowing him to continue his decades-long leadership. Edward Fore, a civil society activist, said many Cameroonians desire change but are disheartened by the opposition’s fragmentation.
“I’m not sure our leaders truly understand the public mood,” Fore said. “Every candidate seems to be putting themselves forward out of greed. This could have very serious consequences if the opposition fails to unite.”
Fore called on opposition parties to come together and restore the country’s institutions, which have weakened under Biya’s administration. He also criticised the President for failing to organise an inclusive national dialogue to resolve the separatist conflict, which has resulted in more than 6,000 deaths in Cameroon’s western regions, as well as widespread poverty and hunger.
Ekesso added that any consensus candidate should commit to a short, transitional mandate of no more than three years to organise free and fair elections.
While the opposition remains divided, Ekesso believes unity is still achievable. “Though many have declared their candidacies, various discussions are underway to select a consensual candidate. It’s not impossible. We should wait and see what happens by the end of July.”
Meanwhile, the ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement continues to rally support for Biya. Senator Nfor Tabe Tando, a prominent party member, reaffirmed their backing for the incumbent president.
“We have made it clear that Biya is our candidate, not just by party rules but because of his track record and vision for the country,” Tando said. “This is a firm and irreversible decision. We will stand behind him come October.”
Observers from the Centre for Human Rights and Democracy in Central Africa note that with over 400 political parties making up the opposition, defeating Biya will be challenging unless they consolidate their efforts.
--ChannelAfrica--
