Cameroon: Cabral Libii calls for a vice president as debate over post-Biya succession heats up

This statement provoked a backlash on Sunday, September 20. Christian Ntimbane Bomo, president of the Heritage party, accuses Cabral Libii of promoting a “backroom succession.” In an open letter, the lawyer contends that a vice president appointed during the term could become the constitutional successor to Paul Biya in the event of a permanent vacancy.

Abel Elimbi Lobé also criticized the initiative on Info TV. He reproaches the PCRN deputy for having participated in the adoption of the constitutional reform before now urging the head of state to implement one of its main innovations. According to him, the dysfunctions highlighted by Cabral Libii do not justify shifting the center of governmental action to the vice presidency.

Law No. 2026/002, promulgated on April 14, stipulates that the president of the Republic may be assisted by a vice president. In the event of a vacancy due to death, resignation, or permanent incapacity confirmed by the Constitutional Council, the vice president completes the presidential term. If the position is vacant, a new presidential election must be organized within 20 to 120 days.

This continuity mechanism fuels the political conflict. Cabral Libii presents the appointment as an institutional guarantee and asserts that it could reduce succession struggles. His opponents, however, fear that a holder chosen by the president would directly influence the organization of the post-Biya era. Ntimbane Bomo instead calls for a resolution through electoral mechanisms and urges the head of state to resign.

As of September 20, no vice president has yet been appointed, more than five months after the promulgation of the constitutional reform. The position remains vacant even as the new succession rules are already enshrined in the Constitution.