On Monday, the resignation of Bello Bouba Maïgari, Minister of State for Tourism and Leisure, was confirmed. He is a prominent political figure and also the leader of the National Union for Democracy and Progress (UNDP). This decision, announced amid pre-election tensions, comes a few days after he officially announced his candidacy for the October 2025 presidential election.
He is a veteran of Cameroonian politics and an influential figure, particularly in the northern regions of the country. A member of the government for many years and a loyal ally of the Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (RDPC), the ruling party, his departure from the Ministry of Tourism and Leisure marks a significant break.
With a country going against the grain of what the population expects, driven by its militant base, the UNDP could no longer maintain its common platform with the RDPC. There is also the political context marked by uncertainty surrounding the succession of President Paul Biya. Tired at 92 years of age and in power since 1982, the idea of another seven-year term is unsettling. Several political figures, including within the RDPC and its allies, are therefore beginning to position themselves for 2025. The resignation of Bello Bouba, coupled with that of other figures such as Issa Tchiroma Bakary, former Minister of Employment, reflects a reconfiguration of alliances in the run-up to this crucial election.
A clear presidential ambition
At 78, Bello Bouba Maïgari is no novice in politics. Former Prime Minister under Ahmadou Ahidjo in the 1980s, he has managed to maintain the UNDP as an influential political force, particularly in Adamaoua and the North, despite its status as a satellite party of the RDPC. His presidential candidacy, announced in early June 2025, aims to capitalise on his experience and regional roots to offer an alternative to the current system.
By leaving his ministerial post, Bello Bouba is likely seeking to present himself as an independent candidate, free from the constraints of loyalty to the Biya government. This strategy allows him to distance himself from the CPDM while mobilising his traditional electorate, particularly in the north, where he enjoys strong popularity. His resignation can also be interpreted as a way of distancing himself from a regime that is increasingly criticised for its handling of security crises (the Anglophone conflict, Boko Haram) and economic crises (inflation, unemployment).
Reactions and political impact
Bello Bouba’s resignation has provoked mixed reactions. In circles close to the government, some are downplaying the event, emphasising that the departure of a minister of state, although symbolic, will not shake the government machine. However, in public opinion and on social media, his departure is seen as a sign of the regime’s fragility.
For the RDPC, the loss of Bello Bouba is a serious blow. Although an ally, the UNDP has significant electoral weight in certain regions, and its candidacy could divide the electorate that traditionally supports the ruling party. Furthermore, this departure strengthens the opposition, which could seek to capitalise on this instability to rally disappointed voters.
Outlook for 2025
Bello Bouba Maïgari’s resignation marks a turning point in the run-up to the 2025 presidential election. By entering the race, he joins a huge field of potential candidates that could include Emmanuel Franck Biya, the president’s son, or Éric Essono Tsimi, an academic and political outsider. His strategy will likely be to mobilise the northern regions while appealing to voters weary of decades of CPDM governance.
However, Bello Bouba will have to overcome several challenges: the logistical and financial weight of the RDPC, the administrative obstacles faced by independent candidates, and the need to build a broad coalition to compete with the opposition heavyweights. His long association with the Biya regime could also be a handicap in the face of a young electorate seeking renewal.
