Cameroon: in the Far North, a republican call for a candidate of change in 2025
A citizens’ initiative for political change
In the run-up to the presidential election scheduled for October 2025, a new political dynamic is taking shape in Cameroon’s Far North. Bringing together local elected representatives, academics, religious leaders and civil society figures, a platform called Partisans du Changement du Grand Nord (PCGN) has launched a “republican appeal” in favor of a candidate who will bring about a break with the past. To date, more than 200 signatories have joined this initiative, which aims to be inclusive and transversal.
A strategic region in search of transformation
Adamaoua, Nord and Extrême-Nord form a major regional grouping, both demographically and electorally. Despite this political weight, the region remains one of the most neglected in the country, facing persistent poverty and structural challenges. It is against this backdrop that the PCGN is calling for a candidacy focused on in-depth reform of the Cameroonian system.
“We simply want change
A selfless but determined approach
The movement’s figurehead, Maître Abdoulaye Harissou, a retired notary and former president of the Chamber of Notaries of Cameroon and Africa, insists on the disinterested nature of this mobilization. “We don’t want jobs or money. We just want real change,” he declares firmly.
Wide-ranging consultation planned
The movement does not intend to exclude anyone. Maître Harissou has announced a tour of dialogue with political party leaders, trade unions, religious leaders and social movements: “We will meet with all those who wish to work for a genuine change of government. The ambition is to build convergence around a common program of transformation, focusing in particular on institution-building, the separation of powers, and an end to impunity.
A candidate for change, whatever his origin
Open to all political horizons
The message is clear: a candidate’s regional identity is not a priority criterion. It doesn’t matter whether he or she comes from the North, South, East or West. “What we want is a candidate for change, someone who will adopt our program and carry the hope of far-reaching reforms,” Harissou insists.
The PCGN is currently working on a programmatic document that will be presented to all potential candidates, in the hope of building a citizens’ coalition around a bold, forward-looking project for society.
