Cameroon at a Crossroads: Navigating the Uncertainty of Post-Biya Leadership

Editorial : Africa Eye

As Cameroon prepares for the 2025 presidential elections, attention is increasingly focused on the question of succession after President Paul Biya, who has been in power since 1982. With no publicly confirmed plans for transition and the constitutional successor—Senate President Marcel Niat Njifenji—also of advanced age, uncertainty surrounds the country’s political future. While Biya’s tenure has provided continuity, the lack of a clear roadmap for leadership change has prompted discussions both within the country and among international observers about the importance of a stable and transparent process.
Several individuals have been mentioned as possible successors, reflecting a range of political perspectives. Franck Biya, the president’s son, has been the subject of speculation due to his growing public profile, though he has not formally declared any political ambitions. René Emmanuel Sadi, Minister of Territorial Administration, is noted for his extensive experience in government and his role within the ruling party. From the opposition, Maurice Kamto remains a prominent figure after challenging the 2018 election results. Meanwhile, voices from the Anglophone regions, including imprisoned leaders like Sisiku Julius Ayuk Tabe, continue to shape discourse around national unity and inclusion. As the electoral cycle approaches, the focus remains on the need for a peaceful, constitutional transition that reflects the country’s diverse political landscape.