About Joseph G. NZESSEU KEPATOU
I am a committed member of the Cameroon Renaissance Movement (CRM/MRC), an opposition political party founded by Professor Maurice Kamto. Through my active participation in the party’s activities, including [ was local mobilization, organizing meetings, demonstrations, communications, and leadership in a sub-section/directorate, I openly expressed my opposition to the current regime of president Paul Biya in power since 1982,and advocated for democratic change in Cameroon.
As a result of this political engagement, I was subjected to threats, intimidation, and persecution by state authorities and security forces. My safety and freedom were directly at risk, leaving me with no option but to flee Cameroon.
I am currently in exile in the United States, where I continue to uphold the ideals of democracy, human rights, and political freedom that the CRM defends. My exile is both a consequence of political repression and a testimony of my determination to pursue justice and change for my country.
About CRM/MRC
Basic Information
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Full name: Cameroon Renaissance Movement (CRM / MRC in French)
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Founder: Maurice Kamto, law professor and former government minister
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Founded: 2012 (officially legalized by the Ministry of Territorial Administration)
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Headquarters: Yaoundé, Cameroon
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Colors: Blue and White
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Leader: Maurice Kamto
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Slogan: Renaissance of Cameroon
🎯 Ideology and Goals
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Democracy and the rule of law
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Institutional reforms and separation of powers
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Fight against corruption and impunity
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Economic modernization and job creation (especially for youth)
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Social justice, with improved access to education, health care, and infrastructure
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Promotion of women and youth participation in politics
📊 Political Role
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2013: First participation in legislative and municipal elections (modest results).
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2018: Maurice Kamto ran for president and officially came second to Paul Biya. The MRC contested the results, claiming widespread fraud.
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After 2018, the MRC organized protests, which led to mass arrests of activists and party leaders.
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Since then, the MRC has become the main opposition party in Cameroon.
⚠️ Repression Context
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MRC activities are often banned; rallies and demonstrations are dispersed by security forces.
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Many militants and leaders have been arrested, harassed, or imprisoned.
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Maurice Kamto himself was jailed in 2019 after post-election protests and released later under international pressure.
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Human rights groups frequently denounce political repression against MRC members.
👉 In short, the MRC/CRM is the most visible opposition party in Cameroon today, known for challenging the long rule of President Paul Biya and advocating for democratic change.
Support my Petition
Demand for reinstatement of Maurice Kamto as a presidential candidate in the 2025 election
Statement of Grievance
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Illegal Exclusion: On July 26, 2025, ELECAM published a provisional list of 13 approved presidential candidates. Maurice Kamto’s name was omitted despite him fulfilling the legal requirements for candidacy. Human Rights Watch+3CameroonOnline.org+3Human Rights Watch+3
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Unfounded Justification: ELECAM’s stated reason was that the party backing Kamto — the African Movement for New Independence and Democracy (MANIDEM) — had purportedly nominated more than one candidate, violating electoral regulations. Kamto’s legal team and party leadership contest this claim, stating that it is arbitrary and not supported by evidence. CameroonOnline.org+3Human Rights Watch+3Human Rights Watch+3
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Constitutional Appeal Rejected: Kamto appealed the exclusion to the Constitutional Council. On August 5, 2025, the Constitutional Council upheld the decision and declared that the rejection was legally valid. This decision is final and not subject to further appeal under current rules. Reuters+2Human Rights Watch+2
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Threat to Democratic Integrity: Human Rights Watch and other observers have expressed serious concern that excluding a major opposition figure like Maurice Kamto undermines the credibility of the upcoming election and erodes trust in democratic institutions. Human Rights Watch+2Human Rights Watch+2
Legal and Democratic Arguments for Restoration
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Right to Political Participation: Under international human rights norms (e.g. ICCPR — the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Cameroon is party), every citizen has the right to take part in public affairs, including the right to stand for election. Arbitrary exclusions without transparent legal basis violate this right.
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Rule of Law and Electoral Code Consistency: If Maurice Kamto met all legal requirements (including endorsement by a party recognized under electoral law), his exclusion must be justified by documented violations, not by vague or unverified claims. The law requires transparency and due process.
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Fair Competition: A legitimate and fair election requires that all qualifying candidates be allowed to compete. Excluding a major opponent on questionable grounds can be seen as unfairly tilting the political playing field.
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Public Confidence and Stability: Discontent over perceived unfair electoral practices can lead to unrest. Restoring Kamto’s candidacy could help reduce tensions, demonstrate respect for democratic norms, and improve national and international confidence in the process.
Demands
We, the undersigned, demand:
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Immediate reinstatement of Maurice Kamto as a legitimate candidate in the 2025 presidential election, in accordance with the law and national + international standards for democratic elections.
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Transparent review by the Constitutional Council or appropriate judicial bodies of the documents and procedures used by ELECAM and MANIDEM in the nomination process, particularly regarding the accusations of “multiple nominations”.
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Independent investigation into whether there was misconduct, intentional or otherwise, on the part of the Ministry of Territorial Administration (MINAT) or ELECAM in the handling of Maurice Kamto’s candidacy. If procedural irregularities are found, ensure accountability.
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Guarantees of fairness for the remaining electoral process: equal access to media, freedom of assembly for supporters, and protection from intimidation or harassment.
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Support from civil society and the international community to urge Cameroon’s authorities to respect democratic and legal principles in this election.
Conclusion
We affirm that Maurice Kamto’s exclusion is not just a matter of one person being denied a ballot. It is a test of Cameroon’s commitment to democracy, rule of law, and the constitutional rights of its citizens. We call on all authorities to do what is just, legal, and democratic: restore his candidacy and allow every Cameroonian to choose freely among candidates, without arbitrary restriction.
link to support me ; https://c.org/JwgzRqQx8C
"The commitment of Joseph G. NZESSEU KEPATOU to fostering community-driven change is truly commendable."
Emily White
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Olivia CHU
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