May 26, 2025, marks exactly 35 years since the Social Democratic Front Party (SDF) was launched.
Thirty-five years on, the party’s historic stronghold, Bamenda, is more sombre than celebratory. Once hailed as the heartbeat of Cameroon’s opposition politics, the SDF now finds itself at a political crossroads, struggling to regain relevance amid years of armed conflict and electoral setbacks.
Launched on May 26, 1990, the SDF was born out of popular demand for multi-party democracy. It then quickly rose to become a formidable counterweight to the ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM).
“I had the honour of accompanying the late National Chairman, Ni John Fru Ndi, to the Ntarinkon Park, the site of the SDF’s launch.” Said Ade Joseph, an SDF militant since 1990. “The spirit we had at that time, see, has now doubled. We are bouncing back stronger,” he added.
Esther Ngwa has been a Vanguard since 1990. She is now a councillor at the Bamenda III council. Esther believes the SDF is advancing towards the presidency and hopes more women will get involved.
“There is no debate about the SDF in Cameroon. We have been working and will lead this country. I only wish more women would get involved and hold elective positions,” he said.
For decades, it commanded strong support in the English-speaking North West and South West regions. This is where calls for federalism and justice resonated deeply with local aspirations.
Changing Landscape
The party, which once ran at least 18 out of 34 councils in the North West, now holds just one, the Bamenda III Council. In the Senate, it has dropped from 14 seats in 2018 to only one, secured not by vote but through presidential appointment.
The SDF insists it is not down and out.
Commemorating the party’s anniversary on May 25th in Bamenda, party officials insist the SDF is still alive and growing stronger.
“We are telling the militants and sympathisers of the party to register and vote. Even if there are gunshots, wait for them to end so you can go and vote,” said Cletus Fonguh , SDF Regional Chairman.
Toh John Vuneh, an SDF militant for over 20 years, only registered his name on the electoral register on May 25, 2025. He believes that victory for the SDF approaches more than ever.
“I have just registered on the electoral register. I am convinced that the SDF will lead this country; I want to participate to achieve the victory,” he said.
The Road Ahead
Political observers say the path ahead is steep. The SDF not only faces a ruling party entrenched in power for 43 years but must also rebuild public trust and cohesion within its own ranks.
“The SDF should also manage the infighting within them so as to assure the citizens that they can better manage this country,” said a political observer.
Critics argue the party has lost touch with its base. In response, the regional chairman points to the efforts of the lone SDF-run Bamenda III council in ensuring portable water and road maintenance. “We are ready to lead again; the SDF is stronger now than ever.”
The ongoing conflict in the Anglophone regions displaces communities and suppresses political activity, prompting the SDF to revise its strategies to encourage more people to register for elections.
