The National Chairman of the Social Democratic Front (SDF), Hon. Joshua Osih, has called for major political changes in Cameroon, arguing that the country is facing deep institutional, economic, and security challenges that require urgent solutions.
The National Chairman, who doubles as a member of parliament for Wouri Centre in Douala, made the remarks on Thursday, July 23, 2026, during a press conference at the SDF Central Regional Secretariat in Olezoa, Yaoundé. The party chieftain used the opportunity to present the party’s position on national issues and its preparations for the upcoming legislative and municipal elections.
The SDF leader questioned the current state of governance, raising concerns over the absence of President Paul Biya from the national scene and the lack of clarity surrounding the functioning of state institutions. He said the situation had created uncertainty at a time when the country was already facing serious social and economic pressures.
According to Hon. Joshua Osih, rising living costs, unemployment, delayed public projects, and increasing social problems were evidence of what he described as a failure of leadership.
SDF demands greater accountability
The opposition leader highlighted the activities of SDF parliamentarians, saying they had continued to use legislative tools to challenge government decisions and promote reforms.
He cited the party’s intervention on issues surrounding gold exports, which he said had raised questions about the accuracy of government revenue figures and prompted further investigations.
The Questor at the Glass House called for transparency in the management of public finances, particularly in the mining, oil, and tax sectors. He also presented the party’s legislative proposals submitted in Parliament, including bills addressing violence against women, child protection, national cohesion, public officials’ asset declarations, and the recognition of historical injustices.
The SDF chairman accused the parliamentary majority of preventing these proposals from being debated, saying important national issues were being ignored.
Warning against election postponement
Hon. Joshua Osih strongly rejected any possibility of delaying the legislative and municipal elections scheduled for 2027. He argued that repeated extensions of the mandates of elected officials would weaken democratic institutions and deprive citizens of their right to choose their representatives.
The SDF leader called on opposition parties to work together to ensure that the elections take place within the established timeframe. He also urged Cameroonians who have not yet registered to do so before the August 31, 2026 deadline, stressing that voter participation would determine the country’s political future.
Peace plan for North-West and South-West crisis
The ongoing conflict in the North-West and South-West regions was another major focus of Osih’s address. Marking ten years since the beginning of the crisis, he said the conflict had caused widespread suffering, displacement, and economic losses, while insisting that a political solution remained possible.
Osih reiterated the SDF’s proposed 100-day plan aimed at ending the violence, which includes humanitarian measures, dialogue, reconstruction, and reforms to strengthen decentralization.
The plan proposes the creation of an inclusive peace process involving government representatives, traditional leaders, religious authorities, civil society organizations, and representatives of separatist movements.
The opposition leader said the party’s long-term vision includes greater regional autonomy and constitutional guarantees to address longstanding grievances.
Party prepares for electoral contest
The national chairman used the press conference to call on citizens, professionals, and members of the diaspora to join the SDF’s efforts to bring about political change.
He said the party was preparing for the 2027 elections with the ambition of increasing its representation in councils and Parliament.
He ended his address by renewing calls for the release of political prisoners and insisting that democratic power must remain with citizens. “Power belongs to the people,” Osih said.
@Laarry Times
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