The ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM) is grappling with the political fallout following the departure of two influential allies, Issa Tchiroma Bakary and Bello Bouba Maïgari, who recently announced their break with the party to run independently in the upcoming 2025 presidential election.
Speaking to Radio France Internationale, Minister of Communication René Emmanuel Sadi, a senior CPDM figure, described the move as “deeply regrettable.”
Both men—Tchiroma of the Cameroon National Salvation Front (CNSF) and Bouba of the National Union for Democracy and Progress (UNDP)—have long-standing political influence, particularly in Cameroon’s northern regions, where their departure is expected to intensify electoral competition.
“Allies who are leaving, and not the least of them, are deeply regrettable,” Sadi remarked.
He acknowledged the shift may strengthen opposition challenges, especially in the north, stating, “The competition will be a little stronger since we have lost allies.”
Despite the visible cracks in CPDM’s alliance structure, the government remains publicly unfazed. Sadi dismissed speculation that these resignations signal a weakening of the ruling party’s grip on power.
“We do not believe that these resignations of a few members of the government should be made into a big deal,” he said, adding that such developments reflect “the reality of freedom and democracy in Cameroon.”
He further emphasized that the CPDM retains a broad national presence and strong organizational capabilities.
“The party, with its many assets and territorial reach, remains standing,” Sadi assured.
Yet, the road to re-election is not without hurdles. In the northern regions—historically strategic for electoral gains—the field is becoming increasingly competitive.
Alongside the CPDM, parties such as the Cameroon Renaissance Movement (CRM) and the Cameroonian Party for National Reconciliation (PCRN) have growing support bases.
Meanwhile, the UNDP and FSNC, led respectively by the departing Bello Bouba and Issa Tchiroma, remain deeply rooted in the region.
As the presidential race heats up, the CPDM faces a recalibrated political landscape, where former allies now stand as contenders.
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