The Coalition of Cameroon Federalist Groups and Activists (CCFGA), one of the country’s leading federalist organizations, has officially endorsed Mr. Issa Tchiroma Bakary for the office of President of Cameroon. The announcement comes ahead of the 2025 presidential elections, signaling a potential shift in the country’s political landscape.
Federalist Organization Calls for Change
The endorsement was confirmed following two general assembly meetings held on September 14 and 28, 2025. CCFGA Chairperson Michael Takie emphasized that the organization’s decision reflects a strategic commitment to federalism and constitutional democracy as solutions to Cameroon’s enduring political and social crises.
“The re-election of the incumbent poses an elevated danger of Cameroon’s implosion,” Takie stated. “Mr. Tchiroma is a candidate with a pragmatic federalist vision for the future, charisma to rally Cameroonians, and an unshakable determination to defend the will of the sovereign people as expressed through the ballot box.”
The CCFGA has historically focused on addressing the protracted and often neglected conflict in the former Southern Cameroons regions, namely Northwest and Southwest Cameroon. The organization believes that a federalist approach, coupled with dialogue and constitutional reforms, offers a durable solution to the nation’s multifaceted challenges.
A Candidate Committed to Federalism and Reform
Mr. Issa Tchiroma Bakary, whose candidacy has garnered support from multiple civil society actors, has pledged to implement a federal system that allows citizens to participate in shaping the content of the new federal constitution and determining the boundaries of federated states.
Takie highlighted that Tchiroma’s approach aligns closely with CCFGA’s vision for the “new federal republic.” He added:
“Mr. Tchiroma’s openness to working with others and privileging dialogue, as demonstrated in the negotiations for a consensual candidate, will ensure his government benefits from the proposals put forward by other noteworthy federalist presidential candidates.”
The CCFGA acknowledges Tchiroma’s past role in government but emphasizes that his commitment to meaningful reforms and democratic dialogue outweighs any previous associations with the incumbent administration.
Election as a Referendum on Incumbent Governance
The CCFGA has framed the 2025 presidential election as a decisive referendum on the incumbent president’s governance. The coalition urges Cameroonians not only to vote for Tchiroma but also to defend the integrity of the electoral process.
“Given the palpable enthusiasm for change and for Mr. Tchiroma’s candidacy, it is not surprising that the incumbent has resorted to using state institutions to intimidate this worthy political rival,” Takie said. “We call on Cameroonians to defend the integrity of the ballot box and ensure that the aggregated results reflect the general will of the sovereign people of Cameroon.”
Towards a Federated Cameroon
The CCFGA’s endorsement signals strong support for Issa Tchiroma Bakary’s vision of a united yet federated Cameroon. Chairperson Takie concluded:
“Let us march resolutely toward a new Cameroon with Tchiroma, towards One Nation, federated.”
As the nation approaches its critical 2025 elections, there is all to watch out for as the dynamics continue to change and new alliances are formed. Eyes will now be on how the endorsement influences voter sentiment and the broader federalist movement in Cameroon.
