The race for Cameroon’s vice presidency may be heating up as two figures linked to President Paul Biya — his adoptive son Franck Biya and his cousin Louis Paul Motaze — are reportedly positioning themselves for succession.

Louis Paul Motaze, a cousin of Franck Biya, is said to be capitalising on a shift among Southern elites, who have reportedly expressed reluctance to support Franck Biya’s candidacy. According to well-placed sources, these elites communicated their reservations directly to the head of state. The influence of Southern elites within Cameroon’s public administration is widely acknowledged, and their stance could reshape the political landscape.

Motaze has held several high-profile positions: Director General of the CNPS, Minister of Economy, Planning and Regional Development, Secretary General of the Presidency of the Republic, and Minister of Finance. Many observers describe him as the most powerful figure after President Biya, thanks to his extensive network.

Batoufam

Albin Njilo, a political analyst, notes that Motaze exercises significant control over the media — pointing out that no major outlet criticises him. He also influences television media and maintains strong ties with the business community across the country, especially in the West Region. His strategic relationships with traditional chiefs in the West are particularly noteworthy. One key ally is the charismatic Nayang Toukam Innocent, whose leadership enabled the hosting of meetings of African traditional chiefs on his home ground. Motaze himself visited the royal palace of Batoufam five years ago, accompanied by a delegation that included the business magnate behind Biopharma. Batoufam has since been ranked the 20th eco-tourism destination in the world by the International Organisation of Social Tourism.

Njilo further describes Motaze as a master strategist. He distanced himself from businessman Amougou Belinga after the scandal surrounding the murder of Martinez Zogo. One of his strengths, according to Njilo, is that he is not seen as tribalist, even among his inner circle. However, questions remain about his performance since 2007, when he first entered the government through the Ministry of Economy, Planning and Regional Development. Motaze’s main rivals include his cousin Franck Biya, who is backed by the first lady and Oswald Baboke, as well as Ferdinand Ngoh Ngoh, who despite his achievements is considered less generous than Motaze’s camp suggests. As for Franck Biya, sources indicate he leaves a cold impression among Southern youth.