Paul Biya’s Return Fails to End Cameroon’s Political Uncertainty as VP Appointment Stalls

AFRICAN POLITICS | CAMEROON A Nation on Standby: Cameroonians Anxiously Await Government Reshuff...

AFRICAN POLITICS | CAMEROON

A Nation on Standby: Cameroonians Anxiously Await Government Reshuffle and VP Appointment After Biya’s 10-Week Absence

Written By: Amindeh Blaise Atabong & Africa News Desk | Published: October 22, 2026 | 5 min read

Every weekday at 5:00 PM, 39-year-old Elvis Mbi tunes in to the state broadcaster’s flagship radio bulletin, hoping to hear an announcement from 93-year-old President Paul Biya that could finally signal a change in Cameroon’s political leadership.

Biya—the world's oldest and Cameroon's "forever" president—returned to the country on August 20, 2026, after spending 73 days abroad. His prolonged absence triggered intense speculation about his health, but more than two months after his return, the promised government reshuffle and the highly anticipated appointment of a Vice President have yet to materialize.

WAITING FOR NEWS: Citizens across Cameroon remain glued to radio bulletins and newspaper kiosks, expecting Biya to fulfill his December 2025 promise to form a new government.

Succession & VP The Absentee Ruler Economic Limbo Key Takeaways

The Vacant Vice Presidency

The vacant vice presidency has drawn immense attention since a constitutional amendment restored the position in April 2026, reversing its abolition from 1972.

Law No. 2026/002

The Succession Mandate

Under the new law, promulgated on April 14, the vice president assumes the presidency on an interim basis if the office becomes vacant due to the president’s death, resignation, or permanent incapacity.

The Fake Decree Scandal

The urgency to fill the post sparked a scandal in June when a sealed envelope containing a forged presidential decree appointing a VP was delivered to CRTV. The government confirmed an investigation and detained the individual responsible.

"The vice presidency is not just another administrative post to be filled. Appointing your vice president means securing your leadership. A vice president of this calibre could help to mitigate the succession struggles that are currently paralysing collective action."

— Cabral Libii, Cameroon Party for National Reconciliation

The "Forever" President

Having come to power more than four decades ago following the resignation of Ahmadou Ahidjo, Paul Biya has won every election in the past 20 years with over 70 percent of the vote. However, his frequent and extended medical and holiday trips to Europe—often staying at luxury hotels in Geneva—have drawn heavy criticism.

Health Speculations Banned During his recent 10-week absence, rumors circulated wildly that the president was seriously ill or had died. The government pushed back, having already banned media discussion over his health in 2024, citing it as a "national security matter."

The Cost of Absence A 2018 estimate by the OCCRP found that Biya's trips abroad had cost Cameroonian taxpayers approximately $65 million, an astounding figure for a country facing severe infrastructure challenges.

The government, however, defends his timeline. Communication Minister Rene Emmanuel Sadi stated, "It is surely quite normal for him to take his time when entrusting such a high office to one of his fellow citizens."

THE 5 PM RITUAL: "It is so disheartening when I tune in each time but don’t get the big news," says citizen Elvis Mbi, who faithfully listens to CRTV expecting the reshuffle announcement.

A Country in Waiting

The leadership vacuum is unfolding as Cameroon faces mounting challenges, including a separatist conflict in its English-speaking regions, Boko Haram insurgencies near Lake Chad, and deep socio-economic grievances.

Economic Stagnation Jason Healy, a country risk analyst at BMI (Fitch Solutions), warned that the prolonged political uncertainty is weighing heavily on investor confidence, delaying long-term project commitments.

Everyday Struggles Political analyst Collins Molua Ikome highlighted the disconnect: "Roads in Cameroon are extremely bad... electricity shortages, corruption, and a lack of employment for young people. Biya has far outlived the life expectancy due to medical healthcare abroad which ordinary Cameroonians cannot access."

The Big Picture

A Deliberate Delay? Some analysts suggest the delayed appointments are a calculated political strategy by Biya to retain absolute control over the timing and composition of the transition, keeping rival factions within the ruling party guessing.

Generational Disconnect For millions of youths, like 26-year-old doctoral student Abit Riassai Acha, Biya is the only president they have ever known. But as Acha notes, "Becoming accustomed to something does not necessarily mean that people should stop asking questions about how the country is being governed."

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