Paul Biya’s Possible Candidacy Sparks Division Within Cameroon’s Ruling Party
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President Paul Biya’s silence sparks leadership crisis as Cameroon prepares for high-stakes elections.
Cameroon’s Ruling Party Fractures Over Paul Biya’s Potential Candidacy
Cameroon’s ruling party, the Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM), is facing unprecedented internal turmoil as the country braces for October’s presidential elections. At the heart of the crisis is the question of whether 91-year-old President Paul Biya will seek another term — a prospect that has deeply divided the party and raised concerns over the country’s leadership vacuum.
For weeks, top party officials and government ministers have offered conflicting messages about Biya’s intentions, leading to public confusion and mounting political tension in the capital, Yaoundé.
Leadership Crisis in Yaoundé
“This internal battle says it all,” says Yves Tuya, a Yaoundé resident. “We can say that the country is no longer governed because there’s no leader to bang their fist on the table. The silence of the President of the Republic is what’s causing all this disorder.”
As uncertainty drags on, Cameroonians are becoming increasingly skeptical of the CPDM’s capacity to lead. The power vacuum has stirred political unrest and diminished trust in the ruling party’s ability to manage the country’s affairs.
“The legitimacy of the CPDM is now being questioned,” says political analyst Landry Atagana. “We have Minister René Emmanuel Sadi who doesn’t know what to say, and Minister Jacques Fame Ndongo trying to reassure people — but in reality, Cameroonians are not fooled. Even party members themselves don’t know who to turn to.”
An Aging President and a Party in Disarray
President Paul Biya has ruled Cameroon for over four decades, making him one of the longest-serving leaders in the world. But the current turmoil exposes the fragility of a party that has long depended on one man.
“At the core of this crisis is the overreliance on Biya,” says Atagana. “There is no identified successor, no clear direction, and deep fear of a power vacuum.”
These internal fractures have gone from whispered dissent to open disagreements. According to Atagana, the CPDM’s crisis has reached a critical turning point. “This is no longer a hidden debate. It’s a visible breakdown of structure and unity. And in such conditions, can the CPDM still speak on behalf of the people?”
Inevitable Transition
Analysts argue that Cameroon is on the brink of a political transition, whether the CPDM is ready for it or not. The ongoing crisis has emboldened opposition parties and even some former allies, who are beginning to realign in anticipation of a possible post-Biya era.
“The chaos in the CPDM can be explained by three key issues,” Atagana adds. “First, the absence of a clear direction. Second, the failure to groom a successor. And third, the anxiety over what happens if Biya steps down.”
These dynamics have laid bare the weaknesses of a party that, for years, was considered politically invincible.
Opportunity for the Opposition
Observers believe that the current disarray presents a rare opportunity for Cameroon’s opposition parties. For the first time in decades, the CPDM’s alliances are breaking down, and its ability to control the political narrative is faltering.
“The opposition has a genuine opening this time,” says a local political journalist in Douala. “But it will take unity, strategy, and strong leadership to capitalize on the CPDM’s fragmentation.”
Still, the opposition remains cautious. Past attempts to challenge Biya’s dominance have failed due to disunity and lack of resources. However, the present situation — marked by public disillusionment, internal party conflict, and the absence of clear leadership — may tip the balance.
Looking Ahead to October
With elections only a few months away, the question of Paul Biya’s candidacy looms large. His continued silence is creating uncertainty not just within his party, but across the entire political spectrum.
Whether he decides to run again or not, many analysts agree that October will mark a turning point for Cameroon. The stakes are high, and the country may finally be approaching the end of an era.
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