Speculation is mounting regarding the potential succession of President Paul Biya, with reports indicating that another “son” of the president is actively preparing for leadership, following earlier focus on Franck Biya.

Louis Paul Motaze, who is a cousin and adopted son of the President of the Republic, Franck Biya, appears to be gaining traction. This development comes amidst a reported shift in allegiance among Southern elites, who have conveyed to the head of state their reservations about Franck Biya’s potential candidacy. The significant influence wielded by the Southern elites within Cameroon’s public administration is widely acknowledged.

With a distinguished career path, Louis Paul Motaze has held key positions, including Director General of the CNPS, Minister of Economy, Planning and Regional Development, Secretary-General of the Presidency of the Republic (SGPR), and Minister of Finance. Many consider him to be the most influential figure in Cameroon after President Paul Biya, largely due to his extensive network.

Strategic influence from Batoufam

His influence extends significantly across various sectors. He maintains considerable control over media outlets, with virtually no public criticism directed his way, and holds strong connections within the business community throughout the nation, particularly in the West. His strategic engagement with traditional chiefs in the West is notable. A key figure in his network is the charismatic Nayang Toukam Innocent, whose leadership facilitated the organization of meetings for African traditional chiefs in Batoufam. The Governor of the West region frequently holds sectoral meetings there. Louis Paul Motaze himself visited Nayang Toukam Innocent at the royal palace in Batoufam five years ago, accompanied by a delegation that included the businessman and head of Biopharma. Under this chief’s guidance, Batoufam has been recognized by the International Social Tourism Organization as the 20th leading eco-tourism destination globally.

As a seasoned strategist, Louis Paul Motaze’s political maneuvers are often seen as calculated. He notably distanced himself from businessman Amougou Belinga following the scandal surrounding the assassination of Martinez Zogo. A widely praised aspect of his character is his perceived detachment from tribalism, even within his inner circle. However, his performance since 2007, when he first entered the government as Minister of Economy, Planning and Regional Development, remains a point of discussion. Louis Paul Motaze now finds himself contending with Franck Biya, who is reportedly favored by First Lady Oswald Baboke, and Ferdinand Ngoh Ngoh. Despite Ngoh Ngoh’s strengths, he is considered less generous, a contrast to what Motaze’s associates suggest. Meanwhile, Franck Biya is said to evoke a certain detachment among the youth in the Southern regions.