We begin in Central Africa, where political winds may be shifting ahead of Cameroon’s anticipated presidential election. A longtime ally of President Paul Biya has now stepped forward to join the race—marking a potential turning point in the country’s political landscape.
Tourism Minister Bello Bouba Maigari, a former prime minister and loyal supporter of President Biya for more than three decades, has officially accepted his party’s nomination to run for president. The announcement came Saturday, as Maigari, 78, accepted the endorsement from the National Union for Democracy and Progress—all while retaining his position in the current government.
This move makes him the second senior official from Cameroon’s northern region to declare candidacy in recent days, underscoring growing political divergence in what has long been a key support base for Biya’s administration.
President Paul Biya, who at 92 is the world’s oldest sitting head of state, has yet to confirm whether he will seek reelection. Biya has ruled Cameroon since 1982—making him one of the longest-serving leaders on the African continent.
Maigari’s declaration follows the resignation of Issa Tchiroma Bakary, another prominent northerner and former government spokesperson, who also threw his hat into the ring last week. Tchiroma cited widespread public demand for change as the reason behind his decision.
With over 2 million voters concentrated in the northern provinces of Adamawa, North, and Far North, the region represents a powerful electoral bloc. Analysts say the recent candidacies may hint at a growing fracture between the central government and the traditionally loyal northern elite.
Nationwide, more than 8 million Cameroonians have registered to vote, according to provisional figures released by the electoral commission in this resource-rich nation of 30 million.
As the countdown to the expected October election begins, all eyes will be on Yaoundé—and on President Biya—to see whether the veteran leader will once again enter the race, or step aside in a rapidly evolving political climate.
Stay with SNEWS for continuing coverage on Cameroon’s road to the ballot box.
Reporting by Ehud Jones.
