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Tomaino Hermine Patricia Ndam Njoya is making history as one of only three women to ever run for president in Cameroon, challenging Paul Biya’s 43-year rule. Njoya, the only female candidate during this election cycle, is the mayor of Foumban and chairwoman of the Democratic Union for Cameroon (UDC). She is campaigning on the platform “Freedom. Justice. Progress,” and is determined to address corruption, youth unemployment, and the Anglophone crisis. Despite facing gendered criticism and low odds, Njoya is leveraging social media and international diaspora engagement, arguing that long-term, chaotic governance requires a new direction. Notably, a dozen former male presidential candidates have united behind her, signaling a significant consolidation of opposition support. Njoya’s candidacy symbolizes a growing momentum for women in African politics and a potential turning point for Cameroon.
DW