The highly anticipated three-day conclave of the Foumban Group in Yaoundé has ended without agreement on a single coalition candidate for the upcoming October 12 presidential election.
The failure to produce a unified front has raised concerns among supporters of democratic transition, with many now turning to the next Barrister Agbor Balla proposed scheduled meeting to take place in Buea as the final opportunity to break the political deadlock.
At the center of the growing call for consensus is Barrister Nkongho Felix Agbor Balla, a prominent human rights lawyer and President of the Centre for Human Rights and Democracy in Africa (CHRDA). A consistent and respected voice in Cameroon’s civil society, Agbor Balla, expressed disappointment over the lack of agreement but insisted that all is not lost, provided the coalition acts quickly and decisively.
“The people are watching, and they expect more from those who claim to represent change,” Barrister Agbor Balla echoed in his social media ABS publication following the conclusion of the Yaoundé meeting. “We cannot afford to squander this opportunity by allowing personal ambitions to override the national interest.”
ABS By Barrister Agbor Balla.Despite the stalemate over a candidate, the meeting was not without progress. Participants agreed to set up a technical committee tasked with harmonizing the policy positions of the various parties involved, aiming to create a single, coherent political platform that reflects a shared vision for Cameroon’s future.
Additionally, a working group was created to coordinate the deployment of polling station representatives across the country and in the diaspora, a crucial measure to ensure transparency and electoral credibility.
Still, the lack of a unified candidate continues to cast a long shadow over the coalition’s efforts. Time is running short, and the public’s patience is wearing thin. With the Foumban and Yaoundé sessions now behind them, all eyes are turning to Buea, where hopes remain high that a final consensus can be reached. For many, the symbolism of Buea, a city with deep historical and political significance represents a fitting place to resolve what could be the most consequential political decision of this generation.
Barrister Agbor Balla, who has long advocated for inclusive governance and the peaceful resolution of Cameroon’s political crises, stressed that the coalition’s responsibility goes beyond electoral success.
“This is not about who gets the nomination,” he said. “It’s about restoring faith in our democratic process and offering the people a real, credible alternative.”
While he has not declared any personal ambition to run, Agbor Balla’s influence within the coalition and his moral standing in the broader civil society movement are undeniable.
Some observers speculate that his neutrality and principled leadership could position him as a unifying figure either behind the scenes or at the forefront should the deadlock persist.
As the October election draws closer, pressure will only intensify on coalition members to rally behind a single candidate who can challenge the status quo and lead the country toward meaningful change. For now, Agbor Balla’s message is clear: unity is not just an option, it is a duty.
“The clock is ticking,” he warned. “If we fail to come together now, we risk betraying the hopes of millions who still believe in the possibility of a new Cameroon.”
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