Cameroon Towards a 3rd Anglophone President?

Since the birth of reunified Cameroon in 1961, the country has only known Francophone presidents at the helm of state. But today, the conversation is shifting. A recent survey revealed that 67% of Cameroonians would like the next Head of State to come from an Anglophone background.

This growing sentiment has given rise to what is being called the 3rd Anglophone President Movement, spearheaded by Calvin Onana. As its president, Onana argues that this vision is not about division, but about restoring balance in a bilingual nation built on two heritages.

“It represents a step toward a balanced, bilingual, and inclusive Cameroon — a nation that draws strength from both systems,” Onana emphasises.

For decades, the Anglophone question has remained a central issue in Cameroon’s political and social discourse. Advocates for an Anglophone presidency believe it could mark a turning point — not only in addressing historical grievances but also in symbolising national unity, reconciliation, and equality.

While sceptics argue that leadership should be based on competence rather than linguistic or cultural background, the conversation continues to gain traction across civil society, political circles, and the diaspora.

With the country moving steadily towards a new political era, one thing is clear: the idea of an Anglophone president is no longer a fringe debate, but a mainstream aspiration for many Cameroonians.