The political landscape of Cameroon has been marked by intense speculation in recent weeks, particularly following the minister of Finance’s high-profile media appearance on June 29, 2026, regarding the rehabilitation of the National Refining Company of Cameroon (Sonara). This public statement has ignited fresh debates about the country’s leadership transition and the role of key figures in shaping its future.
Analysts close to the corridors of power suggest that these developments are not merely administrative but carry significant weight in the broader political chessboard. Michel Njilo, a commentator for the political platform Construire Ensemble, highlights how the minister of Finance has been thrust into the spotlight amid what he describes as a deliberate smear campaign against Franck Biya.
Why is Franck Biya at the center of controversy?
Njilo questions the motives behind the aggressive media narrative targeting Franck Biya, particularly in light of reports alleging rejection of his potential vice-presidential candidacy by the Bulu elite and southern youth. According to insider accounts from Geneva, President Paul Biya faced two competing proposals for vice-presidency and cabinet reshuffles before his recent trip to Switzerland: one backed by the First Lady with the Deputy Director of the Cameroon Development Corporation (CDC), and another from the Secretary-General of the Presidency with the Secretary-General of the Presidency of the Republic (SGPR). Notably, the President did not act on either proposal, opting instead for a discreet trip to Switzerland where working sessions with Franck Biya were reportedly scheduled.
Allegations and political maneuvering
The controversy deepened when whistleblowers, including Boris Bertolt, accused Franck Biya of involvement in a gold trafficking scandal involving fictitious mining companies. These allegations are seen by observers as part of a broader strategy within the deep state to destabilize potential successors ahead of the vice-presidential appointment. The ongoing investigations into the assassination of journalist Martinez Zogo and gold embezzlement scandals—closely monitored by President Biya—are viewed as instruments to dismantle the influence of powerful figures vying for power.
Njilo warns that the prolonged uncertainty over the vice-presidential appointment and cabinet reshuffle poses risks not only to national stability but also to the President’s personal security. Following the Martinez Zogo case, which exposed alleged ties between the Presidential Guard (GP) and businessman Amougou Belinga, President Biya reportedly shifted reliance to the Rapid Intervention Battalion (BIR). The BIR, an elite military unit, has seen its commander relocate from Melen to a dedicated office at the Etoudi Palace, underscoring its expanded role in national security.
Recent intelligence reports suggest that the United States has advised President Biya to limit international travel due to security concerns. This follows a discreet visit by William Joseph Burns, Director of the CIA, who met with Cameroon’s top intelligence officials shortly after landing at Yaoundé-Nsimalen International Airport aboard a private jet. These developments indicate that President Biya retains control over critical state matters and continues to navigate internal power struggles with caution.
The President’s strategic positioning ensures that Cameroon can achieve a peaceful transition, a task that only he is currently equipped to oversee. As the political stakes rise, the importance of the vice-presidential appointment becomes ever more critical to the nation’s future.
