With just five months remaining before Cameroon’s highly anticipated October 2025 presidential election, a coalition of opposition figures known as the Douala Group has named five political heavyweights to represent a united front against the long-ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM).
Formed in January 2024, the Douala Group represents a strategic attempt to consolidate opposition forces under a single candidacy — a move designed to avoid the divisions that have historically weakened the opposition’s chances at the ballot box.
The Five Faces of the Consensual Opposition
At the heart of this coalition are five prominent figures drawn from both veteran and emerging political movements:
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Akere Tabeng Muna, leader of the Univers Party and a well-known anti-corruption crusader and former president of the bar association.
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Cabral Libii, president of the Cameroonian Party for National Reconstruction (PCRN), known for his appeal among young voters.
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Joshua Osih, the current head of the Social Democratic Front (SDF), Cameroon’s historic opposition party.
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Tomaino Ndam Njoya, leader of the Democratic Union of Cameroon (UDC).
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Maurice Kamto, the charismatic leader of the Cameroon Renaissance Movement (MRC) and a strong contender in the 2018 election.
A Strategy Rooted in History
This alliance draws its blueprint from the 1992 Union for Change, a similar initiative led by the late Ni John Fru Ndi.
“We are updating a model that almost succeeded 30 years ago,” said Sam Backa, a coordinator of the Douala Group.
The plan is to identify a candidate capable of rallying both urban and rural populations behind a genuine promise of democratic reform.
Path Toward a Unified Candidacy
Current negotiations within the group centre around:
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A unified political platform, with shared priorities such as economic revitalization, decentralization, and an aggressive fight against corruption.
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A nomination process, which may involve internal primaries or a consensus decision among the five leaders.
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Joint fundraising efforts, to build a campaign capable of competing with the CPDM’s vast political machinery.
Civil Society Participation Encouraged
Anicet Ekane and Henriette Ekwe, key figures in the movement, are urging civil society groups and political actors not yet represented in the coalition to join their cause.
The only condition: a firm commitment to combat electoral fraud and ensure a peaceful transition of power.
With the electoral clock ticking, the Douala Group’s challenge now lies in turning unity into momentum — and momentum into victory.
Source: camer.be
