The Social Democratic Front (SDF) national chairman and presidential hopeful, Hon. Joshua Osih, has stated that his administration will recognize the State of Palestine if elected in the upcoming October 2025 presidential election.
Speaking at a recent political rally in Mutengene, South West Region, Osih revealed a glimpse into what his foreign policy would look like, with a focus on international justice towards Palestine and ensuring Cameroon’s sovereignty from foreign entities.
“Cameroon is the only country in Africa that does not recognize the state of Palestine. When we take over power, we will recognize it,” Osih declared during his address.
Palestine currently holds observer status at the United Nations but has not been granted full sovereignty, despite a UN resolution recognizing its statehood.
Most of its lands, including the West Bank and Gaza, are under the occupation and control of Israel, one of Cameroon’s strategic defence partners.
In Africa, Cameroon and Eritrea are the only countries that have not formally recognized Palestine’s statehood.
Osih’s remarks signal a significant shift from Cameroon’s current pro-Western and pro-Israel diplomatic stance, particularly its historically close alignment with former colonial master France.
When asked how he would approach the issue of neocolonialism and Cameroon’s sovereignty from foreign actors, particularly from France, Osih said his government would reinstate the nation’s military and economic independence from whichever actor, be it France.
Although he stopped short of declaring a formal withdrawal from the CFA franc monetary zone or annulling post-colonial agreements with France, his comments suggested a bolder approach to international relations.
France’s Controversial Influence in Cameroon
France’s longstanding influence in Cameroon has been a growing concern for many citizens.
The revelation in 2020 by French President Emmanuel Macron, who admitted to pressuring President Paul Biya to release opposition leader Maurice Kamto from house arrest, drew backlash and confirmed suspicions of French political interference.
Critics argue that France has played a direct role in maintaining Biya’s grip on power, especially after his controversial victory in the 1992 multiparty elections, widely believed to have been rigged.
Tensions over French involvement deepened recently when the French Gendarmerie General visited Cameroon, meeting with top defense officials, including Cameroon’s Minister of Defence and the head of the National Gendarmerie.
The visit raised concerns of potential French meddling in the upcoming presidential elections.
With President Paul Biya in power for over 42 years, the October election has drawn over 20 declared candidates hoping to usher in political change.
However, Joshua Osih remains the only major contender to openly promise a reorientation of Cameroon’s foreign alliances and greater autonomy from France.
His pledge to recognize Palestine, while symbolic, could have diplomatic ripple effects on Cameroon, as Israel remains Cameroon’s strategic defence partner against the Boko Haram terrorist group.
