Cameroon’s ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM) is facing unprecedented internal division over the potential candidacy of 91-year-old President Paul Biya in the October 2025 elections, raising fears of a looming political crisis and potential power vacuum. In recent weeks, open disagreement among top ministers and party officials has fueled speculation about Biya’s future, leaving many Cameroonians questioning who is truly governing the country. Biya, who has been in power since 1982 and is Africa’s second-longest serving leader, has remained publicly silent, deepening uncertainty. “This internal battle says it all,” said Yaoundé resident Yves Tuya. “There’s no one steering the ship. The president’s silence is creating disorder.”
According to political analyst Landry Atagana, the CPDM is at a breaking point. “We are witnessing a party in free fall. There is no succession plan, no unified message, and an increasing loss of public trust,” Atagana explained. “Even key figures like Minister René Emmanuel Sadi and Minister Jacques Fame Ndongo appear divided and uncertain.” The crisis has exposed deep structural weaknesses within the CPDM, which has ruled Cameroon unchallenged for 43 years. Analysts say the current disorder reflects a failure to prepare for leadership transition and a growing fear among party elites of losing power.
Opposition parties and former allies of Biya are reportedly preparing to capitalize on the chaos. With historic alliances fracturing and voter dissatisfaction mounting, many observers see October’s election as a critical moment for democratic transition in Cameroon. “The country is facing an inevitable political shift,” said Atagana. “This is no longer about disagreement behind closed doors — it’s an open power struggle. The CPDM’s dominance may finally be nearing its end.”
