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Cameroonians are waiting for President Paul Biya to appoint a new government and fill the vacant vice presidency, more than nine months after he promised change and nearly two months after he returned from an extended stay abroad.
Every weekday at 5 pm, Elvis Mbi tunes in to the state broadcaster’s flagship radio bulletin, hoping to hear an announcement that could signal a shift in the country’s political leadership.
“Every Cameroonian was expecting that upon his return home, he was going to change government, but nothing up to this moment,” Mbi, 39, told Al Jazeera.
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Biya, 93, returned to Cameroon on August 20 after 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 by October 6, no new government had been appointed.
The vice presidency, restored through a constitutional amendment in April, also remained vacant.
In his December 31, 2025, address to the nation, Biya promised 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.
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The amendment allows 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, and to serve the remainder of the seven-year term.
The reform establishes a formal succession mechanism while leaving the appointment of the vice president to Biya. It 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.
