Politics: mayors urge Biya to contest 2025 presidential election

The municipal authorities made the call during the conference of the Association of Mayors of the Cities of Cameroon, AMVC.

Mayors from across Cameroon have issued a motion of support urging President Paul Biya to seek re-election in the upcoming presidential election expected to take place in October this year. The municipal authorities made the call at the 50th General Assembly of the Association of Mayors of Cities of Cameroon, AMVC.

 The event was held at the Nkoldom Tourist Center near Ebolowa in the South Region last Saturday, April 5. The mayors, representing cities across the nation, unanimously expressed their belief that decentralization, as advocated and supported by the Head of State, Paul Biya, is the only path to accelerate Cameroon’s development within a framework of peace, prosperity, unity, democracy, and full employment.

The motion specifically urges Biya to present his candidature for the October 2025 election. The mayors further assured Biya of their total and unwavering support should he choose to run. The AMVC General Assembly provided the platform for the mayors to articulate their reasons for endorsing Biya’s candidacy.

The focus on decentralization highlights a key policy area that the mayors see as vital for the continued progress of Cameroon. By supporting President Biya, they are signaling their commitment to furthering the decentralization process and empowering local governments to play a more active role in national development.

This endorsement arrives amidst growing anticipation surrounding the next presidential election. President Biya, who has held office for several decades, has yet to formally announce his intentions regarding the 2025 election. The AMVC’s motion adds a significant voice to the ongoing political discourse, offering a strong show of support from a group of influential local leaders.

The emphasis on decentralization within the mayors’ statement is noteworthy. Decentralization aims to transfer power and resources from the central government to local authorities, enabling them to better address the specific needs of their communities. By linking Biya to this policy, observers say the mayors are emphasizing his commitment to empowering local governance and fostering development at the grassroots level.

While the motion of support demonstrates a unified front among the mayors present, it is essential to note that the broader political landscape in Cameroon is complex and diverse. The upcoming election is expected to be a closely watched event, with various political actors and perspectives contributing to the debate on the future direction of the country.

The announcement by the AMVC is just one piece of this unfolding political narrative. The focus will now shift to President Biya, as he considers the AMVC’s appeal and weighs his decision regarding the 2025 presidential election. His response will undoubtedly shape the political trajectory of Cameroon in the coming months.