A historic figure within the African Movement for New Independence and Democracy (MANIDEM), Jean Baptiste Ketchateng, has resigned from his position, accusing the ruling Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (RDPC) of orchestrating a takeover of the party from within. This resignation, made public on March 23, 2026, highlights a deep crisis within the opposition party, exacerbated by the lack of official funeral arrangements for its former leader, Anicet Ekane.
A long-time activist, Ketchateng held positions of responsibility within MANIDEM since 2018. He denounces a methodical operation by the RDPC aimed at neutralizing the party, going so far as to speak of an "enterprise of destruction of a fundamental public good". According to him, the RDPC has "virtually taken control" of MANIDEM, a situation he cannot condone. The absence of official funeral arrangements for Anicet Ekane, who died on December 1, 2025, crystallizes this crisis, with this organizational void being perceived as a neutralization strategy.
Ketchateng emphasizes that the official launch of Anicet Ekane's funeral, initially scheduled for March 20, never took place, and that no communication from the party has been made regarding the schedule or place of burial. He describes this vagueness as a "major political sign," pointing to a paralysis of the governing bodies for the past six months. This situation, he says, allows external forces to influence the party's decisions, with the aim of depriving the Cameroonian people of a political "beacon".
Ketchateng's resignation further weakens the opposition, already weakened since the presidential election of October 2025, where MANIDEM played a key role within the Union for Change. His departure could encourage other members to leave the ship, thus accelerating the party's decline. For the RDPC, this situation represents an opportunity to consolidate its power in the face of a weakened opposition. The future of MANIDEM is now uncertain. Will it be able to reform and resist infiltration, or will it become a mere satellite of the RDPC?
