As Cameroon approaches its 2025 presidential elections, the political landscape is set for a major shift. Among the candidates declaring their intent to run is Akere Muna, a distinguished lawyer and anti-corruption advocate, whose campaign holds the promise of a transformative agenda. Endorsed recently by a coalition of political parties and Civil Society Organisations, Akere Muna and his Now Movement (used in previous presidential elections) may be heading for an office already facing neck breaking challenges. However, the challenges awaiting Muna, and any other presidential hopeful, are vast and deeply entrenched in the country’s socio-political fabric. These challenges span governance, infrastructure, education, security, and the Anglophone crisis, all of which are critical to shaping Cameroon’s future.
Born on 18 August 1952, Akere Tabeng Muna is a towering figure in both Cameroonian and international legal circles. He is best known for his tireless work in the fight against corruption. Muna has served in several key leadership roles, including as Vice-Chair of Transparency International, Chair of the International Anti-Corruption Conference Council, and President of the Pan African Lawyers Union. He has also been a member of the African Union High-Level Panel on Illicit Financial Flows from Africa, chaired by former South African President Thabo Mbeki, and co-chair of the Common African Position on Asset Recovery (CAPAR).
Muna's candidacy is backed by his vast experience in governance, law, and public administration. He has been a vocal critic of Cameroon’s endemic corruption and is seen by many as a figure capable of restoring transparency and integrity to the country's governance structures. Despite these credentials, his bid for the presidency is fraught with obstacles.
One of the most pressing issues Muna must tackle is Cameroon’s long-standing problem with corruption. Despite the country’s vast natural resources, widespread corruption has undermined development efforts, eroded public trust, and promoted a culture of impunity. As a staunch anti-corruption advocate, Muna will likely face resistance from political and economic elites who benefit from the status quo. Transforming the governance culture in Cameroon will require more than policy reform; it will demand a complete overhaul of the institutions that have perpetuated corrupt practices for decades.
Muna has built his career on combating this very issue. As founder and former president of Transparency International Cameroon, he was instrumental in pushing for reforms that encouraged Cameroon’s participation in global transparency initiatives. Nevertheless, taking on the presidency would elevate these efforts to an entirely new level, where he would need to mobilise public support and implement strict measures to root out corruption within government and public services.
Perhaps the most pressing challenge Muna will face is the ongoing Anglophone crisis. Since 2016, Cameroon has been plagued by violent unrest in its Anglophone regions, where calls for greater autonomy and dissatisfaction with marginalisation by the Francophone majority have escalated into an armed conflict. The crisis has left thousands dead, displaced many more, and destabilised the region.
Muna, himself an Anglophone from the North West Region, has long advocated for federalism as a potential solution to this crisis. However, this stance may polarise voters across the country. While many in the Anglophone regions may view Muna as a source of hope for resolving their grievances, others, particularly within the Francophone population, may resist any restructuring that threatens the unitary state. Striking a balance between appeasing the Anglophone populace and maintaining national unity will be crucial for Muna’s campaign and any potential presidency.
Cameroon’s infrastructure and educational systems have long been in need of major investment and reform. Years of neglect have left the country’s roads, power grid, and other essential infrastructure in disrepair, while the educational sector struggles with outdated curricula, underfunding, and a lack of qualified teachers.
For Muna, addressing these challenges will be paramount in his efforts to stimulate economic growth and development. The $30 billion project funded by the World Bank and other partners, which aims to improve road infrastructure, is a step in the right direction, but much more needs to be done. Muna has spoken about the need for inclusive development, ensuring that marginalised groups, including those with disabilities, have access to quality infrastructure and education .
Investment in technology and innovation will also be key to revitalising Cameroon’s education system. The 2017 government-ordered internet shutdown, which lasted 93 days, highlighted the country’s vulnerability in this area. Many Cameroonians, particularly in the Anglophone regions, depend on the internet for education and business. As president, Muna will need to ensure that the country’s digital infrastructure is robust, accessible, and protected from political interference.
Cameroon’s security situation remains volatile, not only due to the Anglophone conflict but also because of the ongoing threat posed by Boko Haram in the Far North Region. The next president will need to restore stability and ensure that all regions feel secure and protected by the state. Muna’s background in governance could serve him well here, but the security sector will require reforms to be more inclusive, professional, and transparent.
Additionally, civic engagement and participation in governance have been weak in Cameroon, with many citizens feeling disconnected from the political process. Muna has often highlighted the importance of active citizenship and democratic participation. As president, fostering greater public involvement in decision-making will be key to building a more responsive and accountable government.
Akere Muna’s decision to run for president of Cameroon represents an outstanding opportunity for change. His background in law, governance, and anti-corruption advocacy positions him as a candidate who could introduce the reforms the country desperately needs. However, the challenges ahead are daunting. From tackling corruption and addressing the Anglophone crisis to revitalising infrastructure and education, Muna’s campaign and potential presidency will require bypassing a complex and often hostile political environment.
In many ways, Muna’s candidacy is emblematic of Cameroon’s struggle for a more transparent, inclusive, and accountable government. Whether he can translate his international experience and reputation into a successful presidency remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the 2025 elections will be a critical moment in Cameroon’s history, and Akere Muna will be at the centre of it.
By Bakah Derick
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