Maurice Kamto resigns as president of Cameroon’s MRC

Maurice Kamto has resigned from his position as president of the Mouvement pour la Renaissance du Cameroun (MRC), effective September 8, 2026. His departure is accompanied by the resignation of the party’s first vice-president, Mamadou Mota. Kamto stated his decision was made in the ‘superior interest’ of the party and its members, though observers suggest the move is a strategic attempt to protect the organization from increasing administrative pressure.

The resignations follow a period of tension with the Cameroonian administration, specifically the Ministry of Territorial Administration’s refusal to recognize the party’s leadership following a December 2025 convention. Mamadou Mota cited ‘constant harassment’ by the administration as a factor in his departure.

Reactions within the political sphere have been varied. The Union démocratique du Cameroun (UDC) has called for a return to political debate based on ideas rather than personal controversies. Meanwhile, some former members have called for a financial audit of the MRC to ensure transparency during this leadership transition. Despite stepping down from leadership roles, Kamto remains politically affiliated with the party.