MANIDEM appoints Valentin Dongmo new National President.

The decision was officially presented to the public during a press conference held at the party's headquarters in Douala on Thursday, July 30. The development marked the end of the leadership transition following the tenure of Georges Anicet Ekane. 

Prior to his elevation, Dongmo served as the party's Vice President in charge of elections and relations with institutions, a position he had occupied since 2018. With his appointment, Dongmo becomes the sixth president to lead MANIDEM since the party's creation three decades ago.

The newly constituted Political Bureau comprises a president, two vice-presidents, five secretaries and four members. They are tasked with steering the party's affairs.

Addressing journalists, Dongmo said the new leadership remains committed to strengthening the "Union for Change" platform and advancing MANIDEM's political agenda through democratic engagement.

According to him, the party will continue to pursue its objectives through public statements, participation in elections, civic education campaigns, peaceful demonstrations and grassroots mobilisation.

He, however, acknowledged that the party anticipates significant political challenges ahead. Among the new leadership's immediate priorities, Dongmo cited efforts to secure the release of individuals arrested in connection with the 2025 presidential election and other political detainees. 

He also called for an end to what the party describes as politically motivated legal proceedings against several Cameroonians.

The MANIDEM president reiterated the party's commitment to maintaining the Union for Change coalition while engaging in fresh discussions with political actors willing to support reforms aimed at rebuilding the country based on what he described as "the freely expressed will of the people".

The party's newly installed Political Bureau is headed by President, Valentin Dongmo. He is assisted by two Vice-Presidents including Mbappe Toto and Evariste Diabe. 

Justin Noël Zambo Nkoto will serve as Secretary in charge of Organisation and Social Movement, while Jean-Baptiste Ketchateng is Secretary in charge of Training and Culture. 

Bedimo Kouo will oversee Communication while Titcho Florence Aimée is responsible for Finance. For her part, Marianne Simonne Ekane will serve as Secretary in charge of External Relations. The bureau also includes Louis Rodolph Bamou, Yves Dzouali, Charles Ngah Nforgang and Clément Jou as members.

The appointment ushers in a new chapter for MANIDEM as the opposition party seeks to consolidate its internal structures while positioning itself for future political engagements in Cameroon.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3867 of Monday August 03, 2026