On August 19, 2025, in Yaoundé, Social Democratic Front (SDF) candidate Joshua Osih presented his socio-economic program, dubbed « Rescue Cameroon, » less than two months before the presidential election. Conceived as a breakthrough plan, this project emphasizes free essential administrative documents, free education up to secondary school, and accessible healthcare. On the diplomatic front, Osih advocates a pan-Africanist anchor and an opening toward the BRICS. Through this program, the SDF positions itself as a credible alternative to outgoing President Paul Biya.
Joshua Osih, candidate of the Social Democratic Front (SDF) in the October 2025 presidential election in Cameroon, presented his socio-economic program, entitled « Rescue Cameroon », during a press conference held on August 19, 2025 at his party’s premises in Yaoundé. The SDF party candidate aims to initiate, through his social project, a radical shift towards democracy, social justice and national unity. The project provides for several measures including free essential administrative documents: national identity card and birth certificate, free education up to secondary school, free healthcare, an increase in the minimum wage and an amnesty for political prisoners.
“Cameroon’s central problem is institutional. A hyper-presidential constitution that confiscates power and blocks local initiative. As if that weren’t enough, we are now experiencing a form of savage state capture. Power must be returned to the people through a three-tiered federalism: municipality, region, federal state. Based on the principle of subsidiarity, a semi-parliamentary regime has been adopted to rebalance powers, empower the executive, and revitalize democratic control.”
Joshua Osih, SDF candidate for the 2025 presidential election – Cameroon
In international politics, Joshua Osih has also positioned himself on the international stage, promising to anchor Cameroon in Pan-Africanism, aiming for eventual membership in BRICS, supporting Palestine, and calling for a multilateral order more independent of post-colonial ties. With this platform, the SDF and its candidate are clearly positioning themselves as an alternative to the ruling party, seeking to harness the energy of hope and change as the presidential election approaches.
“Our compass is the Republic, not the throne. Our adversary is the system that has failed, and our goal is to put Cameroon back on the path to emergence without sacrificing national cohesion.”
Joshua Osih, SDF candidate for the 2025 presidential election – Cameroon
It should be remembered that Joshua Osih is one of the 12 candidates officially selected to take part in the presidential election on October 12. Alongside 12 other candidates, Joshua Osih will attempt to challenge President Paul Biya, who is running for an 8th term as head of Cameroon.
