2025 presidentials: Akere gets Hollande's 'blessings' at Paris meeting.

The meeting, held in Paris, France, came in the wake of Barrister Akere Muna’s tour of Europe and the United States, ahead of the October election.

Little filtered out of the discussions held in the French city Tuesday.

However, it is believed that the visiting Akere Muna had, during the audience, unveiled his presidential ambition to the former French leader.

When Akere Muna, who was accompanied to the meeting by Prof Nkou Mvondo, took to social media to announce the holding of the audience, he didn’t immediately disclose details of the get-together.

Describing the audience as a privileged exchange with leadership wisdom, the celebrated anti-graft campaigner, merely wrote: “It was both an honour and an extraordinary learning opportunity to be received in audience by His Excellency François Hollande, the former President of France”.

The presidential aspirant added: “Our substantive discussions revealed President Hollande's profound understanding of Africa's complex political landscape- his insights into our continent's evolving dynamics were particularly illuminating”.

He added: “What struck me most was the remarkable simplicity and authentic modesty that characterised this Statesman. In an era where African politics is undergoing rapid transformation, such exchanges with global leaders, who possess both experience and respect for our contexts, are invaluable”.

Akere noted that the dialogue with Hollande has reinforced his conviction that Cameroon's future must be built through both strong continental vision and meaningful global engagement. 

“The wisdom shared by President Hollande will undoubtedly inform my approach as we work toward a more prosperous and stable Africa," he stated.

What will be done

Since announcing his intention of running for office of President of the Republic, Barrister Akere Muna, has publicly revealed key reforms he plans instituting, once elected to office.

One of such is recognition of dual nationality. As part of his vision for a modern and inclusive Cameroon, Akere Muna is proposing the full recognition of dual nationality. 

According to the politician, the strategic measure primarily aims to facilitate diaspora remittances, which reached a substantial 400 billion FCFA in 2023, while offering Cameroonians abroad greater economic and social integration. 

For the candidate, the initiative seeks to remove the administrative barriers currently hindering contributions from compatriots living overseas, enabling them to fully participate in national development.

For Akere Muna, the immediate recognition of dual nationality forms the cornerstone of the reform. Akere Muna sees the move as a concrete way to value the input of the Cameroonian diaspora while strengthening their sense of belonging to the nation.

“This measure is part of a broader approach to build bridges between Cameroon and its citizens abroad, pooling skills and resources for the country's development…this is an essential step toward building a more open and dynamic Cameroon on the international stage,” he wrote in one of his outings on social media.

Tackling corruption…

Beyond the political scene, Akere Muna, has established a reputation for himself as a fearless anti-corruption crusader.

In the year 2000, going against the grain, the Cameroon Chapter of Transparency International, TI was formed with the goal of curbing corruption, in a country that had recently been ranked the most corrupt country in the world by the same organization. 

The creation of the Cameroon chapter of TI earned him the ire and persecution of the establishment. But due to his resilience and conviction, Akere Muna emerged victorious, thus initiating the first real anti-corruption measures in Cameroon. 

In 2004 he was elected to the Board of Directors of TI and later designated coordinator of all African Chapters of TI. In 2005, he was elected Vice Chair of the Board of TI for a three-year term and was twice re-elected. 

He stepped down in 2014. In the same year, he was appointed by the Board of TI for a six-year term to Chair the Inter-national Anti-Corruption Conference, IACC, a forum that joins Heads of State, civil societies and the private sector to tackle corruption. 

The IACC convenes every two years in a different region of the world and attracts up to 1,500 participants from over 135 counties.

His battles against corruption

Barrister Akere Muna, it should be said, is a name that has continued to gain fame around the world as concerns the fight against corruption, and promotion of good governance and transparency. 

The consistent anti-corruption activist and consultant to several governments, has built a personality for himself, which time and circumstances have proven that he cannot trade or dare to lose it for whatever.

Being a figure that values integrity beyond description, Akere Muna has not disappointed Cameroonians, who see him as the only mir- rot reflecting rays hope for a new era in the country. 

The former Vice Chairperson of Transparency International has successfully distinguished himself to keep ablaze the inspiration of many who look up to him as a model and role model.

The admirable bilingualism competence of the legal mind makes it difficult for many to understand whether Akere Muna is of Anglophone or Francophone back- ground in Cameroon.

This, among many other aspects, characterize the reflection and view of many that Akere Mana is a true representation of the type of leadership Cameroon needs at a time when the unity of the country is facing threats and attacks.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3484 of Wednesday June 25, 2025