Barrister Akere Muna, former chairman of Transparency International, officially receives endorsement as the face of a coalition of opposition parties in Cameroon. The Universe Party, the UPC, and the Popular Action Party, among others, endorsed him. The luminary stands out for his strong values and principles aimed at building robust institutions and a thriving country.
Professor Prospère Nkou Mvondo, leader of the Universe Party, endorsed Akere Muna amongst leaders of other political parties recently in Yaoundé. Muna’s candidature is supported by a broad coalition of nearly 20 political parties and civil society organisations.
Civil Society Actors like Agbor Felix Nkongho, applauded Akere’s candidature. He made a fervent call for other leaders to throw their wight behind Akere Muna.
Building a United Opposition Front:
This endorsement reflects a critical shift in Cameroon’s political discourse. “Akere Muna represents the change Cameroon needs at this crucial crossroads in our history,” Professor Prospère Nkou Mvondo said.
The backing of both historical and newer political movements emphasises the wide-ranging appeal of his anti-corruption and governance reform agenda.
The support of key political organisations like the UPC, which played a crucial role in Cameroon’s fight for independence, signifies a growing unity among opposition forces. This convergence could be the opposition’s best opportunity to present a united front against the long-standing leadership of President Paul Biya, who has held power since 1982.
Muna’s Record of Integrity
Akere Muna knows the political landscape well, as he ran for president in 2011. In 2018, he stepped aside for fellow opposition candidate Maurice Kamto to unify the opposition. Muna advocates for transparency and accountability, earning respect from both Cameroonian citizens and the international community. His renewed bid for the presidency aims to galvanise the fragmented opposition, building a broad coalition around the themes of reform and integrity.
Can he spring up surprises?
With the 2025 elections approaching, the political climate in Cameroon is fraught with tension. President Biya’s administration faces growing criticism over economic stagnation, allegations of corruption, and the unresolved Anglophone crisis. Furthermore, Akere Muna’s platform of governance reform and anti-corruption strongly appeals to many disillusioned Cameroonians seeking a new, trustworthy alternative.
However, the path ahead is not without obstacles. The incumbent administration has a long history of retaining power through elections that opposition leaders frequently describe as unfair. Furthermore, the ongoing conflict in the English-speaking regions adds complexity to an already charged electoral environment. Yet Muna’s candidature signals a pivotal moment in opposition politics, offering hope for the consolidation of opposition forces around a shared vision of reform.
A Platform for Reform
At the heart of Akere Muna’s campaign is his commitment to governance reform, economic revival, and addressing the Anglophone crisis, which has left the country’s North West and South West regions in turmoil. Similarly, drawing on his legal background and international anti-corruption work, Muna aims to restore transparency and accountability to public institutions, earning the confidence of both local and international observers.
In his remarks following the announcement, Muna emphasised the urgency of change.
“The time for change is now. We must restore dignity to the Cameroonian people by building a government that is accountable, transparent, and serves all citizens, not just a privileged few.”
The Road to 2025
As the 2025 presidential race heats up, all eyes are on Akere Muna and the Universe Party as they work to rally voters and secure their place in the final race. Additionally, Muna’s history of stepping aside in 2018 shows his dedication to collective opposition success, but the question remains whether various opposition factions can unify around his candidature this time.
For now, Muna’s endorsement injects fresh momentum into the political scene, promising to reshape Cameroon’s future. The stakes have never been higher as the nation moves towards what could be its most consequential election in decades.
