Cameroon: 2025 Presidential Election, Opposition Struggles to Overcome Its Divisions

A few weeks before the election, the opposition is attempting to unite against outgoing President Paul Biya — but divisions remain strong.
The “Union for Change” and the “Douala Group,” led by Anicet Ekane, announced a meeting on September 13 to designate a consensus candidate.
However, Maurice Kamto, Bello Bouba, and Jean-Michel Nintcheu have distanced themselves, revealing coordination difficulties.

Meanwhile, other negotiations reflect a desire for rapprochement. Issa Tchiroma and Bello Bouba — former regime allies — are exploring an alliance based on their roots in the Far North.
On his side, Kamto’s MRC party — whose leader is ineligible — has expressed openness to forming a coalition with at least two major parties, following meetings with representatives of the UNDP.

Thus, despite personal rivalries and historical fractures, the idea of a common candidacy persists.
If it were to materialize, such an alliance could shift the balance of an election previously seen as favorable to the incumbent president.