Cameroon: During Macron's visit, Biya maintains the mystery of a new mandate
French President Emmanuel Macron alongside Cameroonian President Paul Biya during his visit to Yaoundé, July 26, 2022. AFP - LUDOVIC MARIN
Text by: RFI Follow
2 mins
After his speech to the French community, the French president was received by his counterpart Paul Biya.
The two heads of state had a one-on-one meeting at the Unity Palace for more than an hour.
This meeting was also an opportunity to talk a bit about domestic politics in Cameroon.
Asked by the press about the delicate and almost taboo question of the transition, the Cameroonian president mixed the cards and did not let anything leak out of his intentions.
Will leave, will not leave at the end of the current mandate and while he will have accumulated 43 years of power without stopping?
Paul Biya remained quite evasive.
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With our special correspondent in Yaoundé,
Amélie Tulet
In a bright, 1970s-style room, President Paul Biya enters slowly, but his voice is assured.
After the preliminary remarks of the two Heads of State, time for questions.
"
Mr. President Paul Biya, do you hope to run for a new term in 2025 or do you want a new generation to wear the colors of your party in the next presidential election?
»
Paul Biya then asks that the question be repeated to him.
“
I don't hear
,” he said.
After a second try, it is finally Emmanuel Macron standing on his right who takes over: “
Mr. President Biya, are you seeking a new mandate in 2025 on behalf of the party?
»
So, with humor and wit, Paul Biya responds in a voice marked by the years, but firm: “
Cameroon is governed in accordance with its Constitution.
According to this Constitution, my term of office lasts seven years.
So try to do the subtraction and you will know how much time I have left to run the country.
But otherwise, when this warrant expires, you will be informed as to whether I am staying or going to the village
.
»
Response applauded in the press room.
Paul Biya, 89, is in his seventh term as head of Cameroon.
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Cameroon
France
Emmanuel Macron
Paul Biya