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Cameroon’s Leadership Debate: Who Holds the Reins of Power?
YAOUNDÉ, Cameroon, Jan. 13, 2025 — As Cameroon enters a crucial electoral year, debates over the country’s leadership dynamics have reignited. Officially, President Paul Biya remains the head of state, a position he has held since 1982.

However, his advanced age—now over 90—and infrequent public appearances have fueled speculation about a power struggle within the corridors of the presidency.
At the center of this speculation are three figures:
- Paul Biya: The official leader, revered for his poise and adherence to constitutional governance but increasingly viewed as a symbolic figurehead.
- Ferdinand Ngoh Ngoh: The powerful Secretary-General of the Presidency, widely regarded as the de facto executor of state functions.
- Chantal Biya: The First Lady, a charismatic and influential figure whose potential role in decision-making has become a subject of public discourse.
Jean de Dieu Momo Weighs In
Minister Delegate to the Minister of Justice, Jean de Dieu Momo, recently shared insights from a New Year’s ceremony at the Unity Palace, where diplomats and national leaders extended their greetings to President Biya. Momo’s observations challenge allegations that Biya is no longer in control.
Momo described Biya as composed and coherent during the event, engaging opposition leaders, including Tomaino Ndam Njoya of the UDC party, on topics such as electoral reforms and the need for peace during upcoming elections. “The President, with his usual calm and mastery, emphasized that he acts strictly within the bounds of Cameroon’s constitution,” Momo noted.
Momo also dismissed rumors that Biya has ceded authority to Ngoh Ngoh or Chantal Biya. “Many guests questioned him to test the coherence of his responses, and some were left surprised by his clarity and precision,” he said.
The Role of Ngoh Ngoh
Ferdinand Ngoh Ngoh, as Secretary-General of the Presidency, is perceived by many as the engine of daily governance. His influence over administrative and policy decisions has been significant, particularly as President Biya’s public presence has waned. Some analysts argue that Ngoh Ngoh’s central role has positioned him as a key power broker, raising questions about whether he operates independently or as a loyal executor of Biya’s directives.
Chantal Biya’s Influence
As First Lady, Chantal Biya has long been a prominent figure in Cameroonian public life. Though officially outside the realm of governance, her visibility and reported involvement in various initiatives have led to speculation about her informal influence on state affairs. Critics often cite her younger age—she is under 60—and proximity to the President as factors that could give her a behind-the-scenes role in decision-making.
A Delicate Balance of Power
Cameroon’s political system is highly centralized, with the presidency as the focal point of power. However, as Biya’s advanced age raises questions about his ability to manage the nation’s challenges—including economic struggles, the Anglophone crisis, and electoral tensions—observers see an evolving dynamic within his inner circle.
While Momo’s account paints a picture of Biya as actively engaged, the question of who truly wields power lingers. Is it the President himself, steering the ship with a steady hand, or do Ngoh Ngoh and Chantal Biya play more significant roles than officially acknowledged?
Looking Ahead
As Cameroon approaches its 2025 presidential elections, these debates will likely intensify. The nation’s future leadership remains uncertain, but the broader question persists: Is Cameroon’s governance a reflection of its constitutional framework, or does the real power lie elsewhere in the presidential palace?
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