Maurice Kamto, Cameroon's Next President?

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Maurice Kamto is a prominent Cameroonian opposition leader, lawyer, and former government official who has emerged as a key challenger to President Paul Biya's long-standing rule. Here’s a detailed overview of his background, political career, and prospects in the upcoming 2025 presidential election:

Who is Maurice Kamto?

1. Background and Career:

   • Born in 1954, Kamto is a retired academic and lawyer with expertise in international law. He previously served as Cameroon’s Minister-Delegate for Justice (2004–2011) under President Biya before breaking away to join the opposition 12.

   • He leads the Cameroon Renaissance Movement (MRC), a major opposition party advocating for democratic reforms, anti-corruption measures, and improved governance 17.

2. Political History:

   • Kamto first gained international attention during the 2018 presidential election, where he claimed victory despite official results declaring Biya the winner. His declaration led to his arrest and a nine-month imprisonment in 2019, alongside hundreds of his supporters 212.

   • He has since positioned himself as a unifying figure for Cameroon’s fragmented opposition, forming the Political Alliance for Change (APC) coalition to challenge Biya’s ruling party, the CPDM 25.

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Will He Become Cameroon’s Next President?

Kamto’s chances in the October 2025 election hinge on several factors:

Strengths and Opportunities

1. Opposition Unity:

   • For the first time, over 30 opposition parties have coalesced around Kamto under the APC, improving his chances against the divided ruling party 25.

   • Polls from March 2025 show Kamto leading with 57% support, far ahead of Biya’s 11% 1.

2. Public Discontent:

   • Biya’s 42-year rule has been marked by economic stagnation, corruption, and violent conflicts in Anglophone regions. Kamto’s campaign focuses on social equity, education, and healthcare reforms 24.

3. Electoral Preparedness:

   • Kamto has launched a fundraising campaign to deploy election observers across all polling stations, aiming to prevent fraud 15.

Challenges and Threats

1. Government Obstruction:

   • The CPDM has attempted to disqualify Kamto by exploiting a legal technicality: the MRC’s boycott of the 2020 legislative elections left it without elected representatives, a requirement for presidential candidacy 513.

   • The government has banned opposition coalitions like the APC and intensified arrests of Kamto’s supporters 213.

2. Biya’s Incumbency Advantage:

   • Biya controls state institutions, including the electoral commission (ELECAM) and judiciary, which have historically favored the ruling party 214.

   • Russian-backed media and security forces may further tilt the playing field 214.

3. Security and Regional Unrest:

   • Ongoing conflicts in Anglophone regions and Boko Haram insurgencies could depress turnout in opposition strongholds 214.

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Outlook

While Kamto is the opposition’s strongest candidate and enjoys significant popular support, the election’s fairness remains in doubt due to systemic biases and repression. If the vote is free and transparent, Kamto could unseat Biya, but the regime’s resistance—including potential legal disqualification or post-election crackdowns—poses serious risks 1314.