Cameroon faces growing political uncertainty as President Paul Biya delays a promised government reshuffle and the appointment of a vice president.
The 93-year-old leader returned to Cameroon on August 20 after spending around 10 weeks abroad.
However, he has yet to announce the expected changes to his administration.
According to Al Jazeera, many Cameroonians have been waiting for news of a new government since Biya’s return.
The delay has also raised questions about political succession and the country’s future leadership.
Biya’s return raises expectations
Biya’s extended stay abroad led to speculation about his health and whereabouts.
However, unverified rumours about his death were not supported by confirmed evidence.
His return in August increased expectations of a cabinet reshuffle.
In December 2025, Biya had promised to form a new government in the coming days.
Yet more than nine months later, the promised changes had not taken place.
As of October 6, no new cabinet had been appointed.
Meanwhile, citizens continue to follow official broadcasts for possible announcements.
Cameroon awaits appointment of vice president
The vacant vice presidency has become another major political issue.
In April 2026, Cameroon approved a constitutional amendment restoring the position.
The office had been abolished in 1972.
Under the new law, the president has the authority to appoint and dismiss a vice president.
The vice president would also assume the presidency on an interim basis if the office became vacant because of death, resignation or permanent incapacity.
However, the law does not set a deadline for making the appointment.
Therefore, Biya remains responsible for deciding when to fill the position.
Opposition raises concerns over succession
Opposition figures have called for greater clarity about Cameroon’s leadership.
Cabral Libii, leader of the Cameroon Party for National Reconciliation, has urged Biya to appoint a vice president.
He argues that the position could help reduce uncertainty over political succession.
Meanwhile, governance experts have warned that delays could increase speculation.
A disputed document also added to the uncertainty earlier this year.
In June, an individual delivered a document to state broadcaster CRTV that appeared to appoint a vice president.
However, the government said the document had not followed the proper official process.
Authorities also confirmed that an investigation was under way.
The document was not broadcast as an official appointment.
Political uncertainty raises economic concerns
Cameroon’s leadership questions come amid wider economic and security challenges.
The country continues to face a separatist conflict in its English-speaking regions.
Armed violence linked to Boko Haram also affects areas near the Lake Chad Basin.
Meanwhile, analysts warn that political uncertainty could affect economic confidence.
Jason Healy, a country risk analyst at BMI, told Al Jazeera that uncertainty could discourage long-term investment.
Other experts have warned that delays in government appointments could slow public policies and reforms.
However, these remain assessments of possible economic effects rather than confirmed outcomes.
Government defends Biya’s authority
Cameroon’s government has defended the president’s right to decide when appointments take place.
Communication Minister Rene Emmanuel Sadi told RFI in August that Biya has the authority to form a new government.
He also argued that the president should be allowed time to make important decisions.
Elvis Ngolle Ngolle, a former minister and ruling party official, acknowledged public concerns.
However, he maintained that the president has the constitutional authority to choose the timing of appointments.
The presidency did not respond to Al Jazeera’s request for comment.
Cameroonians continue waiting for change
For many Cameroonians, the main question is when the promised appointments will happen.
The government has not announced a confirmed timetable for the reshuffle.
Likewise, the vice presidency remains vacant.
The delays have increased debate about political succession, government performance and public confidence.
For now, attention remains focused on Biya’s next announcement and the direction of Cameroon’s leadership.