Behind the 92-year-old President of Cameroon are two strong, powerful men and one woman. Most Cameroonians have always blamed Paul Biya for remaining in power for decades and for failing to deliver, but behind all of that, who are the faces ensuring continuity?
Chantal Biya
She is the wife of President Paul Biya. Through their union, Chantal is the closest person to the president. She shares a bed with him at home and on international trips.
Wherever Paul Biya goes, Chantal is always there. Unlike other presidents who used to travel and leave their spouses behind, Paul Biya has chosen to always bring his wife along for the last two decades.
Chantal Biya does not speak in public or comment on issues of national life, but she wields significant power. She is definitely aware of the challenges many Cameroonians face. Therefore, if someone were to present the real situation of the country without interference or fear of a third party, that person would be Chantal Biya.
They have been married since 1994. Recently, Paul Biya seems to be resting more. The person who informs the staff or doctor if Biya did not sleep well is, of course, Chantal Biya. In cases where the president chooses not to be disturbed, the one who relays information is definitely Chantal Biya.
She might be seen as the President’s wife, but behind the scenes, she influences policies in the nation.
Samuel Mvondo Ayolo
Though he is the Director of the Cabinet at the Presidency, Ayolo is the closest person to Biya after Chantal.
First, he comes from the same region as Biya. The former diplomat to Gabon and France was appointed to the post of Cabinet Director in 2018.
How crucial is his position? Ayolo is the only known official who can tell the public if Biya goes to work or not.
Wherever Paul Biya is, expect to see Ayolo. If Paul Biya travels, he travels with Ayolo. Most often, he is the one relaying instructions from the president’s office.
Therefore, in a case where Paul Biya is too tired to properly execute his functions, Ayolo is the only person who can inform the nation. So, what if Ayolo keeps giving the impression that Paul Biya is in charge when he is not?
Paul Biya is hardly seen in public. Everything about him is almost staged. But Ayolo looks directly at him, not through the lens of a camera.
Ayolo does not grant interviews to boast of his closeness to the president, nor does he comment on issues affecting the nation. He presents the image of being just a director of the civil cabinet, but behind closed doors, he also holds considerable power.
Ferdinand Ngoh Ngoh
In the public eye, he is the Minister of State and Secretary General at the Presidency. But unofficially, many call him the de facto president.
He does not brag about the powers he possesses, but silently, he helps rule the nation via Paul Biya’s high-level instructions.
Paul Biya has delegated some of his powers to Ngoh Ngoh. The man does not rush to grant interviews on pressing national issues. Even when he goes out to the field, he shies away from interviews, but behind all of this, he has a lot to say, and that is seen through his signature.
Unlike Chantal and Ayolo, Ngoh Ngoh is hardly seen accompanying Biya to places. When the president travels abroad, he leaves the country in the care of Ngoh Ngoh.
Since 2011, the former diplomat to the UN has played his role very well. Secondly, he comes from the same division as the president’s wife.
Chantal, Ayolo and Ngoh Ngoh
Even if these people may not be closely linked in terms of their public offices, they appear to share a symbiotic relationship.
Ayolo and Biya come from the same place. Ngoh Ngoh and Chantal also come from the same place. Since Chantal is the president’s wife, the equation is balanced. This means they can make and break decisions.