Yaounde, Cameroon – Every weekday at 5pm, Elvis Mbi tunes in to the state broadcaster’s flagship radio bulletin, hoping to hear an announcement from President Paul Biya that could signal a change in the country’s political leadership. Biya, 93, returned to Cameroon in August after about 10 weeks abroad. His prolonged absence had fuelled speculation about his health and whereabouts, including unverified claims that he had died.
His return raised expectations of a government reshuffle, but no new government had been appointed by October 6. The vice presidency, restored through a constitutional amendment in April, also remained vacant.
“Every Cameroonian was expecting that upon his return home, he was going to change government, but nothing up to this moment,” the 39-year-old Mbi told Al Jazeera.
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 has yet to materialise.
The vacant vice presidency has drawn particular attention since politicians approved a constitutional amendment in April restoring the position, which was abolished in 1972. Under Law No. 2026/002, the president may appoint and dismiss a vice president, who would assume the presidency on an interim basis if the office becomes vacant due to death, resignation or permanent incapacity.
A disputed presidential decree has added to the speculation. In June, an individual delivered a sealed envelope to Cameroon Radio Television containing a purported presidential decree appointing a vice president. The government said the decree had not been issued through the proper official process and confirmed the individual had been detained.
For Jude Mutah, a Washington-based governance and democracy expert, the attention paid to the state broadcaster’s evening bulletin reflects public expectations of political change. In the absence of clear information, rumours can gain traction, he said.
Cabral Libii, leader of the Cameroon Party for National Reconciliation and an opposition figure in the 2025 presidential election, has argued that appointing a vice president would provide necessary assistance to the president in executing state duties.