PCRN leadership crisis persists despite Robert Kona’s court loss.

Despite the September 5 ruling of the Kaélé Court of First Instance in the Far North Region rubbishing Kona’s claim to the leadership of the party, the retired administrator, reports hold, has not given up.

Media reports have emerged indicating that the Kona-led camp is still vowing to fight on despite the court loss to Cabral Libii. An ally of Kona is quoted in the reports as having said, they will continue to fight to recover the PCRN from Cabral Libii.

“We have not surrendered. Let those who want to celebrate do so,” the Kona confidant is quoted as having retorted, adding that “…soon, everyone will know what we can do”.

The outing from the Kona faction, analysts are saying, indicates the battle plaguing the opposition party could take longer than expected. 

Some are already projecting that the faction could be relying on the Minister of Territorial Administration, Paul Atanga Nji who long recognised Kona as the leader of PCRN.

Despite the reports of Kona and his faction not giving up, Hon Cabral Libii has since the court ruling in his favour intensified preparations for the 2025 presidentials.

In the last few weeks, he has also been promoting his latest book, “Ce que j’ai vu” loosely translated to mean “What I saw”. The publication contains what Hon Cabral Libii’s political vision for Cameroon.

His public appearances and engagements, particularly in discussions on issues such as the recent floods in the Far North Region, many say, reflect his efforts to rally support and build momentum for the presidential race next year.

Given the challenges the PCRN has faced in recent times, pundits say the intensity of the battle is not unconnected with moves to weaken the party ahead of elections in 2025.

To note that while Hon Cabral Libii is fronting for the PCRN to be a major voice in the 2025 presidentials by challenging incumbent Paul Biya, Kona is thinking otherwise. 

A few months back, Kona held a meeting during which he had announced that the PCRN will support Biya to seek re-election in the 2025 presidential poll.

This story was first published in The Guardian Post issue No:3239 of Tuesday September 24, 2024