Opposition coalitions and incarcerated separatist leaders are working together to bring about what they claim is a much-needed political transition in Cameroon.
Confirmation has been made by Hon Jean Michel Nintcheu, a former Social Democratic Front (SDF) supporter and Member of Parliament, regarding the participation of separatist leaders who are serving life sentences at Kondengui prison in Yaounde. Nintcheu, currently serving as the President of the Front for Change Cameroon (FCC) political party and the Coordinator of the Alliance for Political Change (APC) coalition platform, shared details of the consultations in a statement released on Saturday, March 9.
While at the prison, Nintcheu interacted with Sisiku Ayuk Tabe and his associates, discussing the political situation in the North West and South West Regions, where the Anglophone crisis has resulted in numerous casualties and displacements. Reports indicate that talks also delved into investigating lawful ways to contest President Paul Biya in the forthcoming presidential election.
A coalition supporting Kamto, the APC, is working to bring together opposition groups to challenge President Biya in the upcoming election. Nintcheu highlighted the significant impact of the mission, emphasising its role in ending the Anglophone crisis and alleviating human suffering.
An interesting point in Nintcheu’s disclosure is the plea from Ayuk Tabe and his colleagues for the freedom of all those detained in relation to the Anglophone crisis. Ayuk Tabe emphasised the importance of a candid, genuine, and comprehensive political discussion to address the current deadlock.
This development occurs in the midst of a wider mobilisation within the opposition to transform Cameroon’s political scene. Nintcheu has been urging the opposition to unite in support of Prof. Maurice Kamto, the leader of the Cameroon Renaissance Movement (MRC), as the figurehead of the coalition. Nevertheless, his position is being challenged by important figures in the opposing group, who are currently discussing the issue of leadership.
In an unexpected turn of events, a document dated March 7, signed by Prof. Olivier Bile, leader of the Union for Fraternity and Progress (UPF) political party, discloses that Ayuk Tabe is also said to be backing a political transition in Cameroon. This document, linked to the “Alliance for Political Transition” (ATP), compiles a list of various individuals, such as Ayuk Tabe, who have been reached out to and are reportedly supporting the call for political transition.
According to the document, Ayuk Tabe’s backing of the ATP is still awaiting verification, along with other prominent figures like Hermine Tomaino Ndam Njoya, Valere Bessala, Akere Muna, Cabrail Libii, and Joshua Osih, among others.
The document highlights that both Kamto and Nintcheu are among those who have been reached out to but have chosen not to comment on the ATP’s efforts to establish a unified and agreeable approach to political transition in Cameroon.
As these political manoeuvres unfold, it’s uncertain how these unexpected alliances and calls for a political transition will impact the upcoming presidential election and the broader political landscape in Cameroon. The lack of response from important opposition figures raises concerns about the unity and common goals of the opposition during this critical time of political transformation.
