The Alliance for Political Transition (ATP), led by opposition figure Olivier Bile, is taking stock two months after launching its political platform. The ATP seeks to rally support around the idea of a civilian transition following the current mandate of President Paul Biya, in preparation for the upcoming presidential election.
Over thirty political and associative leaders have been approached, with at least ten of them already agreeing, according to the list provided by the ATP. Notably, some significant figures have shown interest, including parliamentarians Joshua Osih and Cabral Libii, leaders of the SDF and PCRN parties respectively.
Other prominent figures from Cameroon’s political landscape and civil society, such as lawyer Akere Muna and Philippe Nanga from the NGO “Un Monde à Venir,” are also reportedly involved. Discussions are ongoing with around fifteen other personalities.
A Notable Name
Among the leaders reportedly in discussion with the ATP initiator, one name stands out: Ayuk Tabe. Tabe, a separatist Anglophone 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, a virtual state encompassing the Anglophone regions of the Northwest and Southwest.
Questioning from Some Figures
When asked about his affiliation with the Alliance for Political Transition, Anicet Ekane of Manidem, whose name is included in the ATP’s announcement, confirmed being contacted but stated he never met Olivier Bile to discuss the content of the offer, which he describes as somewhat “ambiguous.”
Silence from the MRC
Regarding the MRC (Movement for the Renaissance of Cameroon) and its leader, Maurice Kamto, Olivier Bile claims to have contacted both Kamto and his ally Jean Michel Nintcheu, but they have remained silent. Maître Emmanuel Simh, one of the vice-presidents of the MRC, justified this silence by stating that the MRC, as a political party, was not formally approached by the ATP. He also questioned the timing of such a transition, noting the absence of an institutional crisis in the country.