Maurice Kamto has officially entered Cameroon’s 2025 presidential race, reigniting a political contest many believed had ended after his defeat to President Paul Biya in 2018.
The law professor, former minister, and prominent opposition figure is seeking to challenge a system that has remained largely unchanged for over four decades — one still dominated by Biya, who at 92 remains the defining figure of Cameroonian politics.
Kamto, who resigned from the Cameroon Renaissance Movement (MRC) under circumstances that remain unclear, will now represent the African Movement for New Independence and Democracy (MANIDEM). His decision has prompted both curiosity and skepticism.
Some view it as a bold strategic shift, while others suspect it may be a maneuver to circumvent administrative hurdles that have historically hindered opposition campaigns. Members of the ruling camp have already raised objections, with Jean de Dieu Momo predicting Kamto’s candidacy will be disqualified on procedural grounds, and Grégoire Owona citing legal ambiguities surrounding his resignation from the MRC.
Beyond the legal wrangling, Kamto’s candidacy raises a deeper question: can he realistically challenge a political establishment anchored by Biya, a leader whose rule has become synonymous with state continuity? While Biya has yet to announce his intentions for the October 12 election, the machinery of power still revolves entirely around him, reinforcing his image as the “baobab” of Cameroon’s political landscape.
Kamto’s previous campaign drew significant support among urban populations and younger voters, with calls for reform, electoral transparency, and an end to entrenched political monopolies. Yet, in 2025, he faces a more fragmented opposition, shrinking civic space, and enduring doubts about the fairness of the electoral process.
By running under a new banner, Kamto is attempting to broaden his coalition and frame his campaign within a more pan-Africanist narrative.
However, whether this bold approach can disrupt a system where longevity in power has become state doctrine remains uncertain.
The 2025 presidential election is shaping up as a test not just for Kamto, but for Cameroon’s democratic resilience. His candidacy may be a spark — but whether it can ignite a broader movement capable of unsettling Biya’s enduring grip on power remains to be seen.
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