Culled from The Observer007
As Cameroon approaches a pivotal moment in its political history, a solemn call has just been made for the organization of a *deliberative sovereign national conference* *, ahead of the convocation of the electorate scheduled for July 17, 2025. This request comes from Christian Ntimbane Bomo, a declared candidate for the presidential election and spokesperson for the Société Civile des Réconciliateurs (Civil Society of Reconcilers).
The alert comes in a particularly tense political climate. In recent weeks, a series of worrying signs have cast doubt on the serenity of the electoral process. Professor Maurice Kamto, president of the MRC, has denounced what he calls preparations for a ** constitutional or military coup d’état **, while unusual diplomatic actions, including a visit by the head of the French Gendarmerie and a press release from the French Embassy calling for caution as early as July, have rekindled fears of a ** pre- or post-election flare-up **.
The persistent rumor of a plan to create a vice-presidential post adds to this political instability, reinforcing the impression of a country in search of change but without a clear direction. This climate of uncertainty is accentuated by the weakness of institutions, an ** electoral code deemed unclear **, a lack of confidence in the electoral jurisdictions, and deep internal divisions within the ruling power.
Faced with this worrying picture, Christian Ntimbane Bomo proposes a radical solution: to urgently convene an inclusive national conference, bringing together political actors, civil society, traditional and religious authorities, trade unions and other stakeholders. The objective is clear: to avoid any authoritarian drift or collapse of the democratic process in October 2025.
This forum should make it possible to form a ** government of national unity **, to thoroughly revise the electoral code, to guarantee voting in conflict zones and to set up an **independent electoral commission** with real powers. Because, in the absence of this consensus, the country runs the risk of a contested election, with serious consequences for national stability.
In view of the challenges facing Cameroon, this initiative aims to place ** the national interest ** at the heart of priorities. The country has already experienced tense elections, but the absence of an undisputed figure at the head of the state apparatus, institutional wear and tear and rising social tensions make 2025 a particularly critical year.
This call is therefore a warning, but also an outstretched hand. It proposes a framework for rebuilding a solid, inclusive and peaceful electoral legitimacy, the only guarantee of a stable political future for Cameroon.
