Cameroon faces political and economic instability amid vacant vice-presidency

Cameroon is experiencing significant institutional uncertainty due to the prolonged vacancy of the vice-presidential position. Although a 2026 constitutional reform reintroduced the role to ensure executive stability and manage transitions in the event of a presidential vacancy, President Paul Biya has yet to make a nomination.

Analysts suggest this delay may be a strategic move by the 93-year-old president to maintain the status quo and avoid empowering a potential successor. However, this vacancy has created institutional vulnerability and heightened political tensions.

The political ambiguity is also impacting the nation's economy. Following concerns over succession planning, Fitch Ratings downgraded Cameroon's sovereign credit rating from ‘B’ to ‘B-’ in October 2026, following similar warnings from Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s. The lack of a designated successor or a clear transition mechanism continues to create market nervousness and economic turbulence.