Cameroonians await government reshuffle after Biya’s return

After 10 weeks abroad, Biya returned to Cameroon but has yet to appoint a new government or vice president. Save Share Yaounde, Cameroon –Every weekday at 5pm, Elvis Mbi tunes in to the state broadcaster’s flagship radio bulletin, hoping to hear an announcement from President Paul Biya that could signal a change in Cameroon’s political leadership. Biya, 93, returned to Cameroon on August 20 after spending about 10 weeks abroad. His prolonged absence fuelled speculation about his health and whereabouts, including unverified claims that he had died. His return raised expectations of a government reshuffle, but no new government had been appointed by October 6. The vice presidency, restored through a constitutional amendment in April, also remained vacant. “Every Cameroonian was expecting that upon his return home, he was going to change government, but nothing up to this moment,” 39-year-old Mbi told Al Jazeera. In his December 31, 2025, address to the nation, Biya promised that a new government would be formed “in the coming days”. More than nine months later, the promised change had yet to materialise. The vacant vice presidency has drawn particular attention since politicians approved a constitutional amendment in April restoring the position abolished in 1972. Under Law No. 2026/002, promulgated on April 14, the president may appoint and dismiss a vice president. The amendment provides for the vice president to assume the presidency on an interim basis if the office becomes vacant because of the president’s death, resignation or permanent incapacity. The vice president serves the remainder of the seven-year presidential term under the conditions set out in the Constitution. The reform establishes a formal succession mechanism while leaving the appointment of the vice president to Biya. The amendment does not set a deadline for filling the post. “We all know the president needs assistance in order to execute state duties and that’s why we are anxiously waiting for the appointment, but nothing has happened yet to our greatest dismay,” Mbi said. A disputed presidential decree purporting to appoint a vice president has added to the speculation. In June, an individual delivered a sealed envelope to Cameroon Radio Television (CRTV) in Yaounde containing a purported presidential decree appointing a vice president....