--- title: "President Paul Biya Returns to Cameroon Amid Government Reshuffle Expectations" url: https://noti.group/president-paul-biya-returns-to-cameroon-amid-government-reshuffle/ language: en publisher: "Noti Group" section: "World News" published: 2026-10-17T03:14:28.000Z updated: 2026-10-17T04:25:28.051Z id: 336c8084-463f-4e86-b0eb-1bf5ddd5838e source: "Al Jazeera https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/10/17/cameroonians-await-government-reshuffle-after-biyas-return?traffic_source=rss" attribution: "Link to https://noti.group/president-paul-biya-returns-to-cameroon-amid-government-reshuffle/ and name Noti Group when you quote or summarize this story." --- # President Paul Biya Returns to Cameroon Amid Government Reshuffle Expectations Cameroonians are anxiously awaiting a government reshuffle after President Paul Biya's return from abroad. The 93-year-old leader returned to Cameroon on August 20, following an approximately 10-week absence that sparked rumors about his health and whereabouts. Speculation had been rife, with some unverified claims suggesting that he might have passed away. However, the president's return was seen as a catalyst for potential changes in the government, fueling expectations among citizens. Every weekday at 5pm, Elvis Mbi tunes into the state broadcaster's flagship radio bulletin, hoping to hear an announcement from President Biya about a cabinet change. The 39-year-old is not alone in his anticipation, many Cameroonians are eagerly waiting for a new government to be appointed. The prolonged absence of a vice president has drawn particular attention since politicians approved a constitutional amendment restoring the position in April. Under this amendment, the president now has the authority to appoint and dismiss a vice president, as outlined in Law No. 2026/002, promulgated on April 14. The new amendment to Cameroon's Constitution has outlined a clear succession mechanism in case of the president's death or incapacitation, specifying that the vice president will assume the presidency on an interim basis. Under this reform, the vice president will serve out the remainder of the seven-year presidential term, as set forth in the Constitution. This development is seen as an attempt to establish a formal process for transferring power in the event of a vacancy at the top. However, the appointment of the vice president remains within President Biya's discretion, with no deadline specified for filling this post. The lack of clarity on this point has added to speculation about when and if a new vice president will be named. Critics have expressed frustration that despite these changes, the appointment process has been marred by controversy. A purported presidential decree appointing a vice president was delivered to Cameroon Radio Television in Yaounde last month, but its authenticity is disputed. The document appeared to bear the official seals of the presidency and a signature attributed to President Biya, according to a government statement published in the state newspaper Cameroon Tribune on July 1. The anticipation for a government reshuffle in Cameroon has reached a fever pitch following President Paul Biya's return from medical treatment abroad. Public expectations are running high, with many citizens eagerly awaiting announcements on key appointments, including that of the vice president. The lack of clear information has created an environment where rumors can quickly spread and gain traction. According to Cabral Libii, leader of the Cameroon Party for National Reconciliation and a prominent opposition figure, appointing a vice president is not simply about filling a vacant post. He believes it's a crucial decision that can have far-reaching implications for the country's leadership. Libii has argued in public statements that a capable vice president could help mitigate the succession struggles currently plaguing Cameroon's politics. This would enable collective action and potentially bring stability to the nation. The stakes are high, with several challenges facing the government, including a separatist conflict in its English-speaking regions and an armed rebellion linked to Boko Haram around the Lake Chad Basin. The prolonged uncertainty over Cameroon's government reshuffle has left many wondering about the country's future. Mbi Aziseh Azimboh, executive director of POLITICOS, a think tank focused on civic innovation and community solutions, believes that this uncertainty could hinder the government's decision-making process. According to Azimboh, delays in reforms and public policies are likely if the situation continues. He fears that the prolonged wait for a new government will have far-reaching consequences for Cameroon's development. The country is already grappling with several challenges, including a separatist conflict in its English-speaking regions and an armed rebellion linked to Boko Haram around the Lake Chad Basin. The government has maintained that President Biya has the authority to decide when to make appointments and form a new government. Communication Minister Rene Emmanuel Sadi echoed this sentiment in an August interview with RFI, stating that it is "quite normal" for the president to take his time in entrusting such a high office. --- Source: [Al Jazeera](https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/10/17/cameroonians-await-government-reshuffle-after-biyas-return?traffic_source=rss) Published by Noti Group: https://noti.group/president-paul-biya-returns-to-cameroon-amid-government-reshuffle/