The African Movement for New Independence and Democracy (MANIDEM) is reportedly facing internal strife. This was revealed by André Luther Meka, a member of the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM), in a publication released on May 12, 2026. According to Meka, a "schism within MANIDEM with two factions" has emerged in the aftermath of the funeral of Anicet Ekanè, a historical figure of the party, who was buried last weekend.
In his publication, André Luther Meka claims that two factions are now vying for influence within the party. He identifies "the Ebanda faction, the only municipal councilor of MANIDEM, and the Marianne Ekanè trend with Vice-President Ndogmo and the Ekanè widow".
According to Meka, the branch led by Marianne Ekanè is seeking to position itself for the upcoming elections, particularly the municipal and legislative elections, with the support of the Movement for the Rebirth of Cameroon (MRC) and Maurice Kamto. "The Marianne Ekanè trend relies on the support of the MRC and Kamto to position itself in the municipal and legislative elections," he said.
These tensions come in a context already marked by divisions surrounding the organization of Anicet Ekanè's funeral. In December 2025, André Luther Meka had already mentioned a "crisis of legitimacy around the remains of the president of Manidem," stressing that prominent figures of the party had been sidelined. Jean Baptiste Ketchateng also slammed the door of MANIDEM in March 2026, denouncing a takeover of the party and political maneuvers.
MANIDEM, founded by Anicet Ekanè, has experienced difficult times in recent years, including the imprisonment of its president and accusations of internal divisions. These new tensions could further weaken the party as the next elections approach. The future of MANIDEM remains uncertain, torn between ambitions of political positioning and persistent internal struggles.
