Bello Bouba Maigari, Cameroon’s Minister of Tourism and leader of the National Union for Democracy and Progress (UNDP), has officially entered the race for the presidency, setting the stage for a political showdown against 92-year-old incumbent President Paul Biya.
Speaking at the UNDP’s ordinary congress held on Saturday, 28 June 2025, at the Palais des Congrès in Yaoundé, Bello Bouba responded to the calls from party members with a succinct but symbolic declaration: “I have heard you and I accept.
” His announcement was met with enthusiastic applause from delegates, marking a pivotal moment for the party as it seeks to reposition itself ahead of a critical electoral cycle.
A seasoned technocrat with a background in economics and trade, Bello Bouba pledged that, if elected, his first act in office would be the creation of a presidential committee focused on constitutional reform.
He emphasized his commitment to implementing structural change through democratic institutions but offered few details on broader policy goals or the nature of the reforms he intends to pursue.
Despite his position within the Biya-led government, Bello Bouba did not clarify whether he would resign from his ministerial post to pursue the presidency.
His dual role has raised questions about the dynamics within the ruling establishment and the degree of independence his candidacy represents.
As political tensions simmer, concerns are growing over the increasingly factionalized nature of Cameroon’s political landscape. Many observers warn that the pursuit of individual ambitions is overshadowing the collective interest of the nation.
The legacy of former President Ahmadou Ahidjo, under whose leadership Cameroon’s post-independence institutions were forged, is frequently invoked as a reminder of what is at stake.
With the 2025 presidential election looming, Bello Bouba’s bid adds a new dimension to a political environment already marked by uncertainty, generational divides, and calls for democratic renewal.
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