Cameroon: Manidem Party Declares Alliance Rupture with Issa Tchiroma Bakary

The political landscape in Cameroon is once again in turmoil, as the Mouvement africain pour la nouvelle indépendance et la démocratie (Manidem) has declared a definitive break with Issa Tchiroma Bakary. This dramatic move, announced via a statement from the party's political bureau on May 6, 2026, centers on the sensitive issue of organizing the funeral for Manidem's late president, Anicet Ekane.

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dernier acte de rupture de l’accord que nous croyions avoir avec M. TCHIROMA dans le cadre de l’Union pour le changement

Manidem, a party that had previously supported Tchiroma's presidential bid within the framework of the "Union pour le changement 2025" alliance, now views Tchiroma's actions as a profound betrayal. The immediate trigger appears to be Tchiroma's unilateral publication of the funeral program for Ekane, an act Manidem interprets as an "echo of betrayal" during a critical moment. The party alleges it was excluded from the funeral's organization, pointing fingers at the ruling Rdpc party, which they controversially suggest was behind Ekane's death.

This rupture signifies more than just a political disagreement; it highlights the deep divisions and mistrust within the Cameroonian opposition. Manidem's statement accuses Tchiroma of confirming his support for the "destruction of the party" by the Rdpc, a narrative that resonates with a nationalist sentiment of external manipulation. The party also laments Tchiroma's breakdown in communication since Ekane's arrest and subsequent death in detention, which foreshadowed the deterioration of their alliance.

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nombreux pour accompagner ce héros national

While Tchiroma has yet to officially respond to Manidem's unilateral declaration of rupture, the situation underscores the complex and often acrimonious nature of Cameroonian politics. The exclusion of Manidem from the funeral arrangements, coupled with accusations of Rdpc involvement, paints a picture of political maneuvering that transcends ideological differences and delves into personal and party loyalties. The article notes that Maurice Kamto's MRC party has expressed solidarity with Manidem by also deciding not to participate in the funeral, further fragmenting the opposition's united front.

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confirmation officielle de son soutien à ‘’l’opération de destruction du parti entreprise par le Rdpc et nombre d’acteurs politiques’’