Finance minister’s bold statements reshuffle Cameroon’s succession race

Analyst Michel Njilo notes that the June 29, 2026 media intervention by the Finance Minister has thrust him back into the succession debate after what he describes as a ‘systematic smear campaign against Franck Biya’.

The campaign, according to Njilo, reached its peak when ‘a panafrican outlet claimed the Bulu elite had rejected Franck Biya’s potential candidacy, suggesting southern youth opposition’. However, Njilo argues that Franck Biya’s rising influence is actually intimidating other vice-presidential contenders.

Reports from Geneva indicate that before his departure for Switzerland, President Paul Biya faced two competing proposals for the vice-presidency and cabinet reshuffle: one from the First Lady advocating for the Deputy DCC, and another from the Presidency Secretariat proposing the SGPR. Rather than endorsing either, the President allegedly deviated from standard protocol for his Swiss trip, where meetings with Franck Biya had been scheduled.

Are allegations of fictitious gold companies targeting Franck Biya?

On Tuesday, whistleblowers including Boris Bertolt accused Franck Biya of involvement in gold trafficking through shell companies. Njilo interprets these claims as evidence of a power struggle within the deep state.

The same observers point to escalating scandals—including the Martinez Zogo assassination investigation and gold smuggling cases before the Special Criminal Court—as strategic maneuvers to undermine powerful regime figures vying for the vice-presidency. As the vice-presidential appointment and ministerial reshuffle delay, Njilo warns of increased risks to President Biya’s security.

The analyst highlights that following the Martinez Zogo affair—which exposed links between the Presidential Guard and businessman Amougou Belinga—President Biya has reportedly relied more heavily on the BIR, Cameroon’s elite military unit tasked with national security. The BIR commander was relocated from Melen to a new office at the Etoudi Palace, signaling a shift in security arrangements.

Njilo emphasizes that US intelligence has expressed concerns about Cameroon’s stability in the absence of a clear succession plan. Recent reports suggest Donald Trump’s administration has quietly involved itself in Biya’s security arrangements. A discreet visit by CIA Director William Joseph Burns to Yaoundé-Nsimalen International Airport preceded meetings with top Cameroonian intelligence officials, reinforcing the view that President Biya maintains firm control over national affairs despite persistent rumors.

As internal factions intensify their battles, Njilo concludes that President Biya’s vigilance is paramount to ensuring a peaceful transition.