Opposition politicians from the Cameroon Party for National Reconciliation (PCRN) and the Now Movement have voiced strong objections against the continued leadership of President Paul Biya, who, at 91, has been in power since 1982.
During the National Convention of the Popular Action Party (PAP) in Buea on June 21 and 22, Barrister Akere Muna and Barrister Tamfu Richard, of the PCRN expressed their dissatisfaction with the current regime and the urgent need for change.
Akere Muna, a former presidential candidate and leader of the Now Movement, emphasized the necessity for the opposition to unite to effect change in Cameroon.
“Cameroonians are conscious of the need to work together. The suffering of Cameroonians has got to the point where if you don’t see it, something is wrong with you,” Muna stated.
He underscored the importance of establishing criteria and an agenda for a potential coalition leader.
He suggested that a transitional leadership might be necessary to reform electoral laws and modify the Constitution.
“We have a 92-year-old president. Cameroonians are hungry for a change. The government is divided. I think that institutional insecurity is getting very bad. I am waiting to see what will happen before the end of the parliamentary session,” Muna remarked.
Barrister Tamfu Richard, who recently joined the Cameroon Party for National Reconciliation, echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the pivotal role of the youth in driving change.
Encouraging young Cameroonians to register to vote, Tamfu stated, “We are at the crossroads of the history of this nation, and we believe that the future of the country lies in the hands of the youth. We should not be expecting the leadership of a 92-year-old to continue carrying out the activities of this nation.”
Tamfu highlighted Cabral Libii, President of the PCRN, as a visionary young leader who can inspire change. He urged Cameroonians to participate actively in the electoral process.
“We are not among these people who believe we have to boycott the election. We will continue to participate in all the upcoming elections. If all of us massively register, we will be certain that what we admire in other countries like Senegal will also be possible in Cameroon.”
Both opposition leaders underscored the critical need for a united front in next year’s Presidential elections.
