Full Breakdown
Cameroon’s President Returns but No New Government or Vice President Yet
By Drooid · · How we work
President Biya’s Return and Unfilled Posts
After a ten-week trip abroad, President Paul Biya, 93, came back to Yaoundé on August 20. His arrival sparked expectations that a new cabinet and the newly created vice-presidency would be announced. By October 6, however, no new government had been formed and the vice-presidency—restored by a constitutional amendment in April—remained vacant. In his December 31 2025 New Year’s address, Biya pledged that a new government would be created “in the coming days,” a promise that has yet to be fulfilled.
Constitutional Amendment Restoring the Vice Presidency
Law No. 2026/002, promulgated on April 14, re-established the vice-president’s office, which had been abolished in 1972. The law allows the president to appoint and dismiss a vice president, who would assume the presidency on an interim basis if the office becomes vacant.
Opposition Pressure
Opposition leaders have publicly urged Biya to fill the vacancy. Cabral Libii, head of the Cameroon Party for National Reconciliation, argues that appointing a vice president “means securing your leadership” and could ease succession tensions. Both figures frame the vacancy as a potential source of political instability.
Government Position
The presidency maintains that the timing of appointments rests with the president. Communication Minister and government spokesperson René Emmanuel Sadi said it is “quite normal” for the president to take time when entrusting a high office to a fellow citizen. The government also rejected a purported presidential decree delivered in June, stating the document was not issued through the proper process and that the individual who submitted it had been detained for investigation.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The vice presidency is not just another administrative post to be filled. Appointing your vice president means securing your leadership,” — Cabral Libii
- “It is surely quite normal for him to take his time when entrusting such a high office to one of his fellow citizens,” — Rene Emmanuel Sadi, government spokesperson
- “The FDC strongly urges President Biya to appoint a vice president of the Republic. Our country does not deserve an unnecessary succession war,” — Denis Emilien Atangana