Cameroon's Opposition: A Faded Echo of 1992 or a Path to Future Hope?

As Cameroon approaches another presidential election, the familiar calls for a united opposition to challenge the ruling CPDM resonate once more.

The ghosts of 1992, when the Social Democratic Front (SDF), led by the late Ni John Fru Ndi, delivered a seismic shock to the political establishment, continue to haunt the present, fueling both hope and frustration.

The SDF's emergence in the early 1990s marked a watershed moment in Cameroonian history. The party's courageous defiance of the one-party system ignited a spark in the hearts of ordinary citizens, opening their eyes to the possibilities of multiparty democracy.

This fight for freedom was not without sacrifice. The SDF faced relentless repression, with activists imprisoned, rallies violently dispersed, and Fru Ndi himself subjected to constant harassment and intimidation.

Yet, the party persisted, its unwavering commitment to democratic ideals inspiring a generation and laying the foundation for the more open, albeit still imperfect, political landscape that exists today.

The 1992 presidential election, where Fru Ndi's popularity threatened the CPDM's grip on power, remains a defining symbol of what a united opposition can achieve, a testament to the power of collective action.

However, the dream of a repeat performance in 2025 is increasingly clouded by internal divisions, a pervasive lack of unity, and the weight of past betrayals.

The presence of figures like Issa Tchiroma and Bello Bouba Maigari, both of whom benefited from pardons after the turbulent 1980s transition from Ahidjo's rule and the subsequent era of one-party dominance, further complicates the landscape.

These figures, once part of the opposition coalition, were perceived by Fru Ndi as having abandoned the fight, engaging in what he termed a "devil's entente" to bolster the CPDM's popularity and secure positions within the regime.

The SDF's current candidate, Joshua Osih, echoing Fru Ndi's sentiments, refuses to trust these figures, asserting that "a second fool is a fool," highlighting the deep-seated resentment and enduring wounds within the opposition ranks.

Accusations of collusion with the ruling party continue to dog many in the opposition, eroding public trust and fueling skepticism about their commitment to genuine change.

While the SDF staunchly defends its stance, vowing not to "eat at the same table with those who have been the slave masters and perpetuators of the suffering of the Cameroonian people," the reality is that the opposition landscape remains deeply fractured.

This fragmentation is further compounded by the silencing of Maurice Kamto and his Mouvement pour la Renaissance du Cameroun (MRC). Kamto, known for his powerful oratory and ability to mobilize large crowds against the state, remains largely sidelined, his absence further paralyzing the opposition's prospects.

With Tchiroma drawing crowds in one direction, Bouba and his team charting a separate course, and Kamto effectively silenced, bookmakers are increasingly confident in predicting another CPDM victory.

This bleak outlook raises serious questions about the SDF's capacity to channel the spirit of 1992 and mount a credible challenge to the ruling party.

Can Osih effectively channel the collective yearning for change that once propelled Fru Ndi to the forefront of Cameroonian politics? Can he bridge the deep divides that separate the opposition forces, overcome the legacy of betrayal, and navigate the increasingly restrictive political environment?

The task facing the SDF and the broader opposition is immense. They must heal internal divisions, rebuild public trust, address the long-standing grievances of the population, and present a compelling alternative vision for Cameroon's future, a vision that inspires hope and transcends the shadow of past disappointments.

Otherwise, the echoes of 1992 will remain just that – a faded memory of a missed opportunity, a stark reminder of what could have been, if only the opposition had found the will to unite for the common good. The clock is ticking, and the future of Cameroon hangs in the balance.

BY INNOCENT YUH

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NI JOHN FRU NDI IN 1992, Bamenda Mankon stadium

Defiant candidate Osih Joshua of SDF

Issa Tchiroma and Bello Bouba ( both resigned from government and are contesting, refused to come together in a coalition)

Excluded from the presidential election, MRC's Maurice Kamto