Insider reports suggest Cameroon’s political elite are reconsidering succession plans as President Paul Biya’s health becomes a growing concern.

Louis Paul Motaze, cousin to Franck Biya—President Biya’s adopted son—appears to be maneuvering quietly for the vice presidency. According to political analysts, Motaze has been strategically positioning himself for years, capitalizing on shifting alliances within Cameroon’s southern elite. These elites, long influential in public administration, have reportedly signaled to the President that they are not supportive of Franck Biya’s potential candidacy. “The southern elites hold significant sway in Cameroon’s administrative machinery,” notes a political observer familiar with the situation.

Motaze’s rise through the ranks has been meteoric: from Director General of the National Social Insurance Fund to Minister of Economy, Planning and Territorial Development, and later Secretary General of the Presidency before assuming the Finance portfolio. Observers describe him as the second most powerful figure in Cameroon after President Biya, thanks to his extensive network.

Western Cameroon’s Power Broker

Motaze’s influence extends across multiple sectors. “He controls the media—name one outlet that criticizes him—and maintains strong ties to business leaders nationwide, particularly in the West region,” explains a political commentator. His relationships with traditional leaders in the West are particularly strategic. One key ally is Nayang Toukam Innocent, a charismatic traditional leader who has organized high-profile pan-African gatherings in Batoufam. Motaze met with him five years ago in Batoufam’s royal palace, accompanied by a delegation that included a prominent businessman and Biopharma’s CEO. Under Innocent’s leadership, Batoufam was ranked the 20th most popular eco-tourism destination globally by the International Social Tourism Organization.

Motaze’s political acumen was evident when he distanced himself from businessman Amougou Belinga following the Martinez Zogo assassination scandal. While some praise his lack of tribalism, even in his inner circle, questions remain about his performance since taking charge of the Ministry of Economy and Planning in 2007. Competing against him are his cousin Franck Biya, favored by First Lady Chantal Biya, and Ferdinand Ngoh Ngoh, who, despite his reputation, is seen as less generous by Motaze’s supporters. Meanwhile, Franck Biya struggles to inspire Cameroon’s southern youth, according to insiders.