In Cameroon, the Alliance for Political Transition (ATP), led by opponent Olivier Bile, draws up its progress report, two months after the launch of this political offer. This intends to unite around the idea of a civil transition, at the end of the current mandate of President Paul Biya. And this in view of the next presidential election. A little over thirty political and association leaders were contacted. At least ten of them have already agreed, according to the list communicated by the ATP and from which some curiosities also emerge.
2 mins
With our correspondent in Cameroon, Polycarp Essomba
Olivier Bile declares that he already has the agreements in principle from Joshua Osih and Cabral Libii, both deputies and respective presidents of the SDF and PCRN parties. Other major figures in the political landscape and civil society of Cameroon, such as lawyer Akere Muna or Philippe Nanga from the NGO Un monde à futures are also on this account. Discussions continue with around fifteen other personalities.
A name stands out
And in this batch of leaders announced in discussion with the initiator of the ATP, one name stands out, that of Ayuk Tabe. This English-speaking separatist leader is currently serving a life sentence in Yaoundé for secession. He is widely known as the self-proclaimed president of the Republic of Ambazonia. This virtual state bringing together the English-speaking regions of the North West and South West.
Asked about his membership in this Alliance for political transition, Anicet Ekane from Manidem, whose name appears prominently in the ATP press release, does not deny having been contacted by the ATP but says he has never met Olivier Bile to discuss with him the content of this offer, the outlines of which, he says, are quite “ blurry “.
Silence at the MRC
Quid then of the MRC and its leader? Olivier Bile claims to have contacted Maurice Kamto himself and his ally Jean Michel Nintcheu. The two remained silent, he says. Maître Emmanuel Simh, one of the vice-presidents of the MRC, justifies this silence by the fact that the MRC as a political party has not been seized by the supporters of the ATP. He also questions the advisability of such a transition when the country is not experiencing an institutional crisis.
Read alsoCameroon: an opposition MP files a complaint against President Paul Biya