Cameroon Reformation Party leadership crisis deepens.

Addressing the press in Douala Tuesday September 3, Fukah Chia stated that Foligar Kum Lang, who co-founded the CRP with him in the United Kingdom in 2010, had automatically lost eligibility to hold political office in Cameroon after acquiring British nationality in 2018.

“Cameroon does not recognise dual nationality or citizenship. By obtaining a British passport, Mr Foligar Kum Lang disqualified himself from holding any political office or position within the country,” the CRP Acting President emphasised.

Aside the said claims, he said, Kum Lang has in the past years demonstrated gross irresponsible behaviors, abandoning party duties, which caused members to leave.

He also accused Lang of refusing to heed calls for meetings with party members and Cameroon public authorities and only showed up when elections were announced. 

According to him, party militants, sympathizers, and the general public should not be misled by what he described as “misrepresentations” from two rival factions both claiming leadership of the party. 

He insisted that only the National Executive Committee and the National Council, under his stewardship, are legally mandated to steer the party’s activities.

Fukah Chia cited Article 11 of the party’s statutes, which empowers the Secretary General to assume leadership in cases where the President becomes incapacitated, incompetent, or otherwise unable to perform his duties. 

He explained that as Secretary General at the time, he automatically stepped in to act as party leader after Foligar Kum Lang’s ineligibility.

Political observers say the CRP, though relatively young, has been a vocal player in Cameroon’s opposition landscape, often positioning itself as an alternative voice on governance reforms. 

However, the current leadership wrangling, if unresolved, could weaken its ability to mobilise effectively ahead of the 2025 Presidential election.

The acting CRP President has appealed on the Minister of Territorial Administration to intervene in what he termed a “pressing matter” to ensure a lasting resolution ahead of the upcoming Presidential election later this year, as well as the municipal and legislative polls slated for 2026.

“We appeal to the High Office of the Minister of Territorial Administration to help seek a lasting resolution to this pressing matter as we prepare for the upcoming Presidential Election later this year, and the Municipal and Legislative Elections next year,” he said.

The Acting President further assured militants and sympathisers that the CRP remains committed to its founding ideals of reform, transparency and democracy. 

“We call on all members to remain steadfast and align with the legitimate leadership as we navigate this crucial period,” he said before adding that: “We remain committed to upholding the principles and integrity of the CRP and call on all members and sympathisers to align with the legitimate leadership of the party”.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3555 of Friday September 05, 2025