A political controversy shakes Cameroon following the ban on an ecumenical mass planned for the health of President Paul Biya. This decision, emanating from the civil cabinet of the presidency, has caused tensions within the government and raised many questions in public opinion.
The initiative for this religious celebration came from Minister Henry Eyebe Ayissi, an important figure in the Cameroonian administration. His project aimed to bring together different denominations around a common prayer for the well-being of the head of state, who is 91 years old and has been in power since 1982.
The ban on this mass raises questions about the real health status of President Biya, a subject of recurring speculation. It also highlights the power struggles at the top of the Cameroonian state, where different factions seem to be at odds over the management of the presidential image.
This unexpected decision has surprised many observers, who see it as a sign of nervousness within the government. Some political analysts suggest that the civil cabinet is seeking to closely control any communication related to the president’s health, considered a sensitive and strategic issue.
The ban on the mass could also reflect divergences within the ruling party, the Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (RDPC), on how to manage the upcoming political transition. The succession of Paul Biya is an increasingly present topic in the country’s political discussions.
This affair comes in a context of persistent social and security tensions in Cameroon, particularly in the Anglophone regions of the North-West and South-West. The political stability of the country largely depends on the figure of President Biya, whose longevity in power is exceptional on the African scale.
The Cameroonian opposition has not failed to react to this controversy, seeing it as further proof of the opacity of the current regime. Some leaders are calling for more transparency on the president’s health and the country’s governance mechanisms.
This unprecedented situation raises questions about the political future of Cameroon and the current system’s ability to manage a potential transition. It highlights the challenges the country will face in the coming years to ensure its stability and development.
