The Cameroon Renaissance Movement (MRC) and its leader, Maurice Kamto, have announced their withdrawal from the funeral of Georges Anicet Ekane, an emblematic figure of the MANIDEM (African Movement for New Independence and Democracy). This decision, made public on May 5, 2026, follows the sidelining of MANIDEM in the organization of its own president's funeral, a situation deemed unacceptable by the MRC.
According to an official statement from the MRC, this exclusion of MANIDEM, endorsed by a court decision, profoundly alters the framework for the participation of political actors. Maurice Kamto's party emphasizes that it has taken note of the funeral program but deplores that MANIDEM, Georges Anicet Ekane's political party, has been excluded from the organization.
The MRC recalls the close ties between the two political formations. During the last presidential election, MANIDEM supported Maurice Kamto by nominating him as a candidate. This mutual support reinforces the symbolic significance of the MRC's withdrawal, which does not wish to endorse a ceremony where the deceased's party is kept out.
"MANIDEM having officially confirmed its exclusion and its non-involvement in the organization of its President's funeral," the MRC has decided, "with regret," to "abstain from any participation in these funeral ceremonies," the statement signed by the Secretary-General of the MRC, Ndong Christopher Nvehse, states. The party pays tribute to Georges Anicet Ekane, calling him an "authentic national hero" and hopes that "his soul rests in peace".
Georges Anicet Ekane died on December 1, 2025. His funeral, initially scheduled for April 24 and 25, then for May 9, 2026, has become a political issue. The MRC denounces an attempt to deprive MANIDEM of a final platform and an act of collective resistance.
