Families tied after deputy role raises dynasty fears

Since taking power in Cameroon 44 years ago, Paul Biya has done without a vice-president.

- By Eromo Egbejule ABIDJAN

In 1972, a decade before he first won the presidency, the role was scrapped as the country transitioned from a federal to unitary state. Now, people close to the 93-year-old - the world’s oldest head of state - appear to have had a change of heart.

In April, parliament voted to amend the constitution to reintroduce the role of vice-president, who would be appointed by the president rather than elected. The bill stipulates that in the event of a president’s death or incapacity, the vice-president would take over as head of state until the end of the seven-year presidential term. Under the old system, the Senate leader would take over and an election be held as soon as possible.

Several names are linked with the job, including Ferdinand Ngoh Ngoh, the influential secretary general of the presidency, and Paul Atanga Nji, the minister of territorial administration. The finance minister, Louis-Paul Motazé, is also said to be in the running.