The ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM) has just celebrated its 40th anniversary. However, its chairman, who is also the party’s presidential candidate, has remained silent.
This is not the first time President Paul Biya has refrained from commenting on issues directly concerning him. During the celebration of his ascension to power on November 6 last year, he did not issue a single statement. Despite the party’s mobilisation and vocal expressions of loyalty, he remained silent. Now, on the anniversary of the CPDM’s founding, he has again not acknowledged the occasion—not even with a simple “Happy Anniversary”.
Celebrations have been held across the country and beyond, with party militants calling on Biya to represent the CPDM in the upcoming October elections. From the Far North to the South and from the East to the Northwest, members are rallying, declaring their commitment to securing victory at the polls.
At 92 years old and having served as president for 42 years, Biya remains the party’s uncontested leader. Despite his age, CPDM militants insist he is still the right person to lead Cameroon’s development. This year’s celebration is themed “Let’s keep on standing tall behind President Paul Biya in championing the process of peace, unity, and democracy in our beloved country, Cameroon.”
What If Paul Biya Declines Another Mandate?
Unlike the Social Democratic Front (SDF), the CPDM does not hold primaries to determine its presidential candidate. According to party rules, the chairman automatically becomes the candidate.
If President Biya were to decline the nomination or become unable to run, the CPDM would face a significant challenge. The party has not designated a clear successor, leaving a power vacuum should such a scenario arise.
Most of the party’s top-ranking officials, many of whom serve in government, are not widely popular among the Cameroonian public. These include Cavayé Yéguié Djibril, Speaker of Parliament; Jacques Fame Ndongo, Minister of Higher Education; René Emmanuel Sadi, Minister of Communication; Peter Mafany Musonge, former Prime Minister; Regina Mundi, Northwest Senator; and Jean Nkuété, CPDM Secretary-General, among others.
From all indications, the CPDM lacks an exit strategy for Paul Biya. Having led since 1982, he has become increasingly disconnected from ordinary citizens. His rare public appearances are limited to televised end-of-year addresses, Youth Day speeches in February, and the reception of New Year’s wishes.
Beyond Biya’s absence from party affairs, the issue of succession remains unresolved. Senate President Marcel Niat Njifenji, who has held the position since the Senate’s creation in 2013, is also largely absent from public discourse.
As the CPDM celebrates its milestone anniversary, party members are aware that Biya’s age could prompt him to decline another term. However, without a clear plan for leadership transition, the question of succession looms large over the party’s future.
