Maurice Kamto Justifies His Switch to MANIDEM at Yaoundé Press Conference, as Cracks Deepen in CPDM

By Andrew Nga, Cameroon Concord — Yaoundé, July 19, 2025

The political scene in Cameroon was electrified this afternoon as Professor Maurice Kamto, flanked by MANIDEM leader Anicet Ekane, addressed the press in Yaoundé to explain his unexpected yet strategic move to leave the MRC and contest the October 12 presidential election as MANIDEM’s candidate.

The press conference, still ongoing at the time of writing, is drawing significant attention as Kamto lays bare the calculations behind his decision while also taking aim at the regime’s manipulation of the electoral process.

Kamto began by reaffirming that the MRC’s National Council had granted him full freedom to determine the best legal pathway for his candidacy. He officially resigned from the MRC on June 25, joined MANIDEM on June 27 after months of private discussions, and was invested as their candidate on July 16.

"The MRC could have legally presented me as its candidate, and I could even have gathered the 300 signatures to run as an independent," Kamto said. "But we analysed the situation carefully. The political context has been poisoned by a fake debate introduced by the regime — the same path had already been taken in 2018 by Akere Muna, Cabral Libii, and Franklin Njifor. We concluded that this approach was already delegitimized. That is why I made the decision to join MANIDEM."

Observers have praised Anicet Ekane’s decision to back Kamto despite their history of fierce disagreements, calling it a rare moment of political maturity. "This is where you understand what real politics means," Kamto noted, visibly appreciative of Ekane’s statesmanship.

The Legal Context

Kamto’s strategy is seen as a direct response to Cameroon’s restrictive electoral system, designed to frustrate challengers. According to the Electoral Code, to run for president a candidate must either be invested by a registered political party or gather at least 300 signatures of elected officials — 30 from each of the country’s ten regions — if running as an independent. Article 124 also requires a 30 million FCFA deposit, refundable only if the candidate secures at least 10% of the vote.

For years, the regime has systematically targeted the MRC, banning rallies, arresting activists, and denying permits — all while ensuring the party remained too weakened to meet these onerous requirements. By switching to MANIDEM, a smaller but legally clean party, Kamto sidestepped these traps, exposing what many see as the regime’s overconfidence in its own unfair rules.

CPDM/RDPC Reacts

Predictably, regime figures have reacted with anger and ridicule. Grégoire Owona, Minister of Labour and Social Security, lashed out, calling Kamto’s candidacy divisive and illegitimate. In a statement widely shared online, he warned: "The fire you wish to light, know that we will all feel its heat. After seven years of blocking your illegal activities, did you think we wouldn’t see through this stunt?"

But the people have not been intimidated. One opposition supporter, Akem Florent, shot back online: "The people will dictate their law at the ballot box. You have stolen their will for too long. If you don’t want this path of peace, then you’ll get what you deserve."

Even within the CPDM, signs of dissent are emerging. NJIKEU Hortense, a sitting RDPC deputy and section president, submitted her resignation this week, citing disillusionment and exhaustion in a letter that has caused shockwaves within the party. She decried the leadership’s indifference to grassroots militants and described her departure as an act of responsibility to preserve her health and dignity.

"Her decision is a wake-up call," noted one RDPC activist, who praised Hortense’s fifteen years of dedication and warned that militants are increasingly frustrated by the party’s treatment of its base.

Opposition Shows Unity

Christian Ntimbane Bomo, another opposition candidate and leader of the HERITAGE party, also weighed in, urging his supporters not to attack Kamto personally: "Professor Kamto is a worthy son of Cameroon. Democracy demands we respect the choices of others, even our competitors," he said.

What’s Next?

As the conference continued into the evening, Kamto’s message was clear: he intends to fight within the system, no matter how flawed it is. His legal team ensured his candidacy meets all the requirements laid out in Articles 117 to 127 of the Electoral Code: age, nationality, continuous residence, civic rights, investment by a registered party, full documentation, and payment of the deposit.

This press conference marks a decisive moment in the campaign. For Kamto’s supporters, it demonstrates resilience and cleverness in the face of an entrenched, authoritarian system. For the regime, it signals that the opposition cannot simply be erased from the ballot.

The question remains: will Cameroonians seize this moment to turn the law into real change? The electoral system may be rigged to preserve the status quo, but today’s events in Yaoundé show that determined leadership can still pierce through the cracks.

Andrew Nga reporting for Cameroon Concord, Yaoundé — July 19, 2025.