Cameroonians are waiting for a change in government after Biya's return

After 10 weeks abroad, Biya returned to Cameroon, but a new government or vice president has not yet been appointed.

Yaounde, Cameroon - Every weekday at 5 p.m., Elvis Mbe tunes into the state broadcaster's flagship bulletin, hoping to hear an announcement from President Paul Biya that could signal a change in Cameroon's political leadership.

Biya, 93, returned to Cameroon on August 20 after spending about 10 weeks abroad. His prolonged absence fueled speculation about his health and whereabouts, including unconfirmed claims that he had died.

His return raised expectations for a government restoration, but no new government was appointed until October 6. The vice presidency, which was restored through a constitutional amendment in April, also remained vacant.

"Every Cameroonian expected to change the government after returning home, but to date nothing has been done," Mbe, 39, told Al Jazeera.

Addressing the nation on December 31, 2025, Biya promised that a new government would be formed "in the coming days." More than nine months later, the promised change had yet to materialize.

The vacant vice presidency has drawn particular attention since politicians passed a constitutional amendment in April that restored the position abolished in 1972.

According to Law No. 2026/002, promulgated on April 14, the President can appoint and dismiss the Vice President.

This amendment stipulates that the vice president will temporarily assume the presidency if the office remains vacant due to the death, resignation or permanent disability of the president.

The vice president serves the remainder of the seven-year presidential term under the conditions set forth in the constitution.

The reforms establish a formal succession mechanism and leave the appointment of the vice president to Biya. This amendment does not set a deadline for completing the post.

"We all know that the president needs help in carrying out the duties of government and that is why we are looking forward to this appointment, but nothing has happened yet to upset us," Mbe said.

The controversial presidential decree on the appointment of the vice president has added to the speculations.

In June, a person delivered a sealed envelope to Cameroon Radio Television (CRTV) in Yaounde, which contained an alleged presidential decree appointing a vice president.

According to a government statement published by the state-run Cameroon Tribune on July 1, the document appears to bear official presidential seals and a signature attributed to Biya.

CRTV did not broadcast what was said in the document. The government said the order was not issued through the proper formal process and confirmed that the man had been detained and that an investigation was underway.

For Jude Mota, a Washington-based governance and democracy expert and director of member relations at the African Business Council, the attention paid to state television's evening bulletin reflects public expectations of political change.

In the absence of clear information, rumors can be taken into account, he said.

Cabral Libby, leader of the Cameroon Party for National Reconciliation and one of the opposition figures in the 2025 presidential election, has argued that appointing a vice president is more than just filling an important vacancy.

In a public appeal, Libby said: "The vice president is not just another administrative position to be filled. The appointment of the vice president is a guarantee of your leadership."

He added: "A vice president of this caliber could help reduce the succession struggles that are currently paralyzing collective action."

The leadership questions come as Cameroon faces other challenges, including a separatist conflict in its English-speaking regions and an armed insurgency linked to Boko Haram around the Lake Chad basin.

Jason Healy, sub-Saharan Africa risk analyst at BMI, part of Fitch Solutions, said uncertainty about political leadership could affect investor confidence.

Long-term uncertainty could deter some investors from committing to large, long-term projects, Haley warned. He also suggested that postponing the appointments could be a political calculation by Biya, allowing him to retain control over the timing and composition of any changes.

Mbi Aziseh Azimboh, executive director of the Policy Lab for Civic Innovations and Community Solutions (POLITICOS), said prolonged uncertainty could slow down government decision-making and delay reforms and public policies.

The government defends the powers of the president

The government has defended Biya's authority in making appointment decisions.

In an interview with RFI in August, Communications Minister and government spokesman René Emmanuel Sadi said the president has the power to form a new government and determine when it will be formed.

"Surely it is quite natural for him to take his time to entrust such a high position to one of his noble ambassadors," Saadi said.

Elvis Ngole Ngole, a former minister and coordinator of the governing academy of the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement, said the citizens' concerns are legitimate, but he believes the president has the constitutional authority to act when he chooses.

The presidency did not respond to Al Jazeera's request for comment.

For Mbi, the ritual of listening to his radio continues.

"No one knows anything anymore. It's very frustrating when I tune the song every time, but I don't get any important news," he told Al Jazeera.