The Cameroon political landscape mourns the loss of a towering figure, Ni John Fru Ndi, whose departure leaves a void in the nation’s opposition camp. Fru Ndi, aged 82, breathed his last in Yaoundé at 11:30 p.m. on June 12th following an enduring battle with illness. His demise was announced by Joshua Osih, the first vice-president of the Social Democratic Front (SDF), via an official statement released in the early hours of June 13th. He passed away just weeks before his 82nd birthday.
John Fru Ndi held an iconic position in Cameroon politics, renowned as a steadfast adversary of President Paul Biya, whom he challenged on multiple occasions in presidential elections. His deteriorating health had raised concerns over recent months, with reports revealing that he had undergone surgical intervention in Geneva, Switzerland. Joshua Osih had been standing in as the SDF’s lead figure during his ailment.
John Fru Ndi, born on July 7, 1941, hailed from Bamenda in the North West, a predominantly English-speaking region that has been beleaguered by a calamitous conflict since 2016. He was fondly referred to as “the Chairman”, a testament to his assertive leadership and central role within the SDF, which he led from its inception in 1990. His political career was marked by a resolute determination to challenge the status quo and advocate for democratic reforms.
In 1992, a milestone event occurred in Cameroon’s political history – the country’s maiden pluralist presidential election. Fru Ndi emerged as the runner-up, securing 36% of the votes, just trailing behind Paul Biya who acquired 40% of the votes. Notably, Biya had been at the helm of Cameroon’s political leadership since 1982.
Fru Ndi, claiming that the election was tainted by egregious fraud, audaciously declared himself the rightful victor. This audacious stance led to stringent scrutiny by the authorities, including the surveillance of his Ntarikon Palace residence in Bamenda for several months.
John Fru Ndi’s commitment to democracy
John Fru Ndi’s unwavering commitment to democracy was exemplified not only in his vigorous electoral campaigns but also in his pivotal role in the SDF. He was instrumental in moulding the party into a formidable opposition force. In 2018, he opted not to vie for the presidency and announced his intentions to abdicate the SDF leadership at the scheduled congress from July 27 to 29.
As Cameroon grapples with the loss of such an influential political stalwart, his legacy as a relentless proponent for democracy and justice will indubitably be enshrined in the annals of the nation’s history. His enduring dedication, couched in an era that was often unreceptive to change, marks him as one of Cameroon’s foremost champions of democratic progress.
Image Credit: Cameroon News Agency
