Akere Muna Declared Candidate for 2025 Elections, Vows Anti-Corruption Reforms

YAOUNDÉ, CAMEROON — In a significant political development ahead of Cameroon’s 2025 presidential election, Akere Muna, renowned lawyer and former chairman of Transparency International, was officially declared the presidential candidate for the Univers Party.

The announcement was made by Professor Prospère Nkou Mvondo, the leader of Univers, during a press conference in Yaoundé on Monday, flanked by leaders of nearly 20 political parties and civil society organizations, including the historic Union of the Populations of Cameroon (UPC).

The endorsement of Muna, a vocal advocate for anti-corruption and governance reforms, marks a crucial moment in the lead-up to the election. His candidacy symbolizes a renewed push for political change in a country that has been dominated by President Paul Biya, one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders, who has held power since 1982.

A United Front

The endorsement by a coalition of political and civil society groups underscores Muna’s appeal across various segments of Cameroonian society. "We are at a crossroads in our nation's history, and we believe that Akere Muna embodies the change that this country so desperately needs," Nkou Mvondo declared during the announcement, highlighting Muna’s track record in both national and international governance.

The Union of the Populations of Cameroon (UPC), a key player in the country’s political history dating back to the struggle for independence, was notably among the supporters of Muna’s candidacy. The UPC’s backing represents a convergence of interests between historical opposition parties and newer political movements, seeking to challenge the status quo.

Muna, who previously ran in the 2018 election before stepping aside in favor of Maurice Kamto in an effort to unify the opposition, has long been a champion of transparency, accountability, and the fight against corruption. His advocacy work has earned him a wide following, both in Cameroon and internationally. With this new presidential bid, Muna aims to galvanize a fragmented opposition landscape under a unified banner of reform and integrity.

A New Political Landscape?

As Cameroon prepares for its 2025 elections, the political climate is charged. President Biya’s administration has faced growing criticism over issues ranging from economic stagnation to the ongoing conflict in the Anglophone regions. Akere Muna’s candidacy may appeal to Cameroonians disillusioned by the current leadership and eager for transformative policies.

Yet, Muna’s path to the presidency is far from certain. The political arena remains deeply divided, and the incumbent regime has a long-standing history of holding power through elections that opposition leaders have often denounced as neither free nor fair. Additionally, the security situation in the country, particularly in the English-speaking regions where secessionist conflicts persist, adds another layer of complexity to the electoral process.

Nevertheless, Muna’s bid represents a critical moment for opposition politics in Cameroon. His focus on anti-corruption and institutional reform resonates with citizens frustrated by decades of entrenched political power and economic inequality. If successful in consolidating a broader coalition of opposition groups, Muna could potentially pose a formidable challenge to the Biya regime.

A Battle for Reform

Akere Muna’s campaign is expected to focus heavily on governance reforms, economic revival, and addressing the Anglophone crisis, which has resulted in significant unrest in the country’s North West and South West regions. His legal expertise and longstanding work on transparency may also play well among international observers, who have raised concerns about the integrity of Cameroon’s political system.

"The time for change is now," Muna stated after the announcement, reinforcing his platform’s commitment to fighting corruption and rebuilding trust in public institutions. "We must restore dignity to the Cameroonian people by building a government that is accountable, transparent, and serves the interest of all citizens, not just a select few."

The Road Ahead

As the political landscape evolves, all eyes will be on the strategies that Muna and the Univers Party employ to rally voters and secure a place in the final race. While his previous withdrawal in 2018 showed his willingness to put the collective opposition first, it remains to be seen how the various opposition factions will align this time around. Much will depend on whether Muna can successfully unite different parties and movements around a common vision for the future of Cameroon.

For now, Akere Muna’s candidacy brings a fresh sense of momentum to the country’s political discourse, setting the stage for what could be one of Cameroon’s most consequential elections in decades. As the 2025 presidential race kicks off, the stakes are high, with the potential to reshape the country’s political and social fabric for years to come.

Ngwa Prudence, 28/09/2024
Cameroon Concord's analysis of Cameroon's evolving political dynamics.