Biya Faces Challenge From Close Allies in Upcoming Election

• President Paul Biya could face election competition this October.
• Bello Bouba Maigari resigned from his role as tourism minister.
• Issa Tchiroma Bakary left his position as employment minister last week.

Biya Faces Challenge From Resigned Allies

In a surprising political turn, President Paul Biya of Cameroon may face serious competition in the upcoming election. Two officials who have long been deemed close allies, Bello Bouba Maigari and Issa Tchiroma Bakary, have declared their intention to run for the presidency after resigning from their government posts. Their unexpected moves, following Biya’s extensive tenure in office, are raising eyebrows and stirring the political waters ahead of the October election.

Former Allies Position Themselves as Candidates

Bello Bouba Maigari, who served as the minister of tourism, left his position this week, while Issa Tchiroma Bakary made headlines with his resignation from the ministerial role of employment and vocational training just a week earlier. Both men, previously seen as loyal members of Biya’s cabinet, are now promoting themselves as the ideal candidates to succeed him. This shift signals not only their ambitions but also potential cracks within Biya’s inner circle as the country gears up for a pivotal electoral face-off.

Political Landscape Shifts Ahead of October Election

As Cameroon prepares for the October vote, analysts suggest that the departures from Biya’s cabinet and the subsequent candidacies of Maigari and Bakary could signify a more fragmented political landscape. Biya, at 90 years old, has been in power since 1982, making him one of the longest-serving leaders in Africa. With these new challengers on the horizon, the stakes are much higher for the president, who must now contend with the ambitions of those who once stood by his side.

In summary, President Paul Biya is preparing for potential challenges in the upcoming election from former close allies who have resigned and are running against him. The political dynamics are shifting as expectations rise for the Octobor vote, bringing a new level of competition and uncertainty to the forefront of Cameroon’s political arena.