Prof. Akuhmbom Mac Anthony, Executive President of United Africa for Economic Empowerment, has called for restraint, peace, and a renewed national commitment to democratic integrity in Cameroon.
In his declaration, the respected economist and civic leader issued a dual statement denouncing both electoral malpractice and the violent aftermath of Cameroon’s October 12 presidential election.
In the wake of widespread unrest and reports of fraud, Prof. Akuhmbom described the unfolding situation as “a tragic intersection of injustice and misdirected anger.” He firmly condemned the violent attacks that have erupted in parts of the country, including the assault on the residence of the Rector of the University of Dschang, calling such acts “criminal and counterproductive.”
“While we unequivocally support the right of citizens to express their grievances against electoral fraud and the denial of their democratic voices, such protests cannot and must not be couched in violence or vandalism,” Prof. Akuhmbom stated. “Destruction of goods, properties, and national emblems is a line that must not be crossed.”
He urged Cameroonians, particularly the youth, to channel their frustration into “constructive, peaceful actions that uphold the dignity of their cause.”
According to him, legitimate dissent loses credibility when it is tainted by acts of destruction, which only deepen social wounds and distract from the call for justice.
“If protest is to serve its purpose, it must be rooted in peace and respect,” he emphasized. “Protecting lives, property, and our national symbols must remain paramount in our expressions of dissent.”
In a second and equally forceful statement titled “A Resounding Call Against Electoral Fraud - Let the People’s Voice Prevail,” Prof. Akuhmbom turned his attention to the heart of the controversy: the alleged manipulation of the presidential vote.
He argued that the 2025 election marked “a new and intolerable height” in the regime’s ongoing campaign against democracy, drawing parallels with previous disputed polls in 1992 and 2018.
“This election,” he wrote, “is not just another flawed process, it is a calculated attempt to silence the people’s voice and subvert their sovereign will. The pre-electoral disenfranchisement and manipulation were deliberate, not accidental.”
According to Prof. Akuhmbom, the scale of fraud and intimidation witnessed this year represents “a criminal act of governance,” designed to preserve a decaying system at the expense of citizens’ rights. Yet, he cautioned against despair, describing this moment as “a defining test for the nation’s conscience.”
“Citizens have spoken,” he declared. “Their will must be respected. We stand at a critical juncture where justice, accountability, and courage must prevail over fear and fraud.”
The Douala-based leader called on all Cameroonians to unite in demanding electoral transparency and to reject attempts to normalize corruption at the ballot box. “The spirit of democracy cannot be a casual commitment,” he wrote. “It must be an unyielding principle guiding our nation forward. To steal an election is to betray the soul of the Republic.”
As the country remains tense, with competing claims of victory between the incumbent regime and opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary, Prof. Akuhmbom’s message stands out as both a moral rebuke and a civic appeal.
He urged the government to heed the people’s call for change, and citizens to defend that call with peace, discipline, and integrity.
“Destruction is not the answer,” he concluded. “Let us reclaim our dignity, denounce fraud, and ensure that justice and truth prevail. The future of Cameroon is at stake and our voices will not be silenced.”
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