The announcement is from a communiqué made official on May 9 by the party’s National President, Hon. Pierre Kwemo.
The Union of Socialist Movements, UMS, will convene an Extraordinary Congress on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at the Yaoundé Conference Center to nominate the party’s candidate for the upcoming presidential election. The announcement is from a communiqué made official on May 9 by the party’s National President, Hon. Pierre Kwemo, who signed the notice convening the congress in line with the party’s statutes and internal regulations. The event is expected to draw all statutory delegates of the party from across the country for what is described as a crucial democratic exercise. “This solemn event will bring together all statutory delegates to carry out this democratic selection,” the communiqué stated.
To ensure inclusiveness and transparency, the party has arranged for the congress to be streamed live. This move is seen as an effort to connect more closely with members, sympathizers, and the general public. The congress comes at a time of heightened political activity in Cameroon, as parties begin to position themselves ahead of the 2025 presidential election. The UMS, founded in 2010, has been growing steadily in influence under the leadership of Pierre Kwemo, a former vice-president of the National Assembly and ex-top executive of the opposition Social Democratic Front, SDF.
Kwemo, who left the SDF in 2010 to form the UMS, has since led the party to a number of significant victories, including defeating the ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement, CPDM, in legislative elections in Bafang in 2013 and 2020. His political profile, combined with his entrepreneurial background and role as founder of the UMS de Loum football club, has made him a prominent and respected figure in Cameroonian politics. Although Kwemo has not publicly declared his candidacy for the presidency, party insiders and political observers are closely watching the congress, with many expecting his name to be put forward.
If he does enter the race, his candidacy could introduce a new dynamic into the presidential contest, which is expected to be highly competitive. “The UMS is preparing for an important page in its history,” said one party delegate. “This congress is not only about choosing a candidate, but about showing Cameroonians that we are ready to take responsibility at the national level.” With just months to go before the presidential election, the outcome of the UMS congress could have far-reaching implications.
Many eyes will be on the Yaoundé Conference Center on May 31, as the party sets the tone for its role in shaping the future of the country. As the political landscape continues to shift, the emergence of a credible challenger from within the UMS ranks—potentially led by Pierre Kwemo himself—could signal the arrival of a new voice in the national debate.
