Announced new gov’t: Biya's coming days not coming!.

Biya, on that occasion, had boasted about what he said were the achievements of his leadership but came out firm that more still needed to be done “without delay to improve the living conditions of Cameroonians”. 

On specificities, he said the resolve to improve the wellbeing of citizens “…will be the priority for the government that I will form in the coming days”.

The coming days the Head of State announced to put in place a new team have now turned into weeks, and could even be months. 

Many have been left debating if Biya spoke figuratively or literarily. 

Many had, through common interpretation, expected that Biya, in line with his words, was going to name a cabinet latest January 7, 2026.

The reasoning was that, “coming days” is within the timeframe of one week. 

But thirteen days after the declaration with likelihood of more days to wait, many are saying it is becoming clear Biya was rather talking of the future than the immediate. 

The meaning of whatever he meant by “coming days” has now become vague. The heated discussions about an imminent cabinet reshuffle have also begin to lose steam in the public space.

Of truth, purveyors of false hopes & lies 

Other things which many Cameroonians are yet to wrap around their heads was President Biya’s claim of attachment to truth. 

He had in his speech warned citizens against those he labelled “purveyors of false hopes”, painting himself as a leader who has never lied to citizens since assuming the highest public office of the country.

“…as you may have noticed, Cameroon has remained steadfast in its resolute march towards progress, thanks to government’s tireless efforts and the invaluable contributions of our hard-working citizens,” Biya stated, adding that: “This reality can be seen, felt and observed by all.

He then factored in the presidential election of last year and the upcoming twin elections to situate that during such times, “…it is common for candidates seeking to win the trust of the people to make statements that do not reflect the reality”.

The Head of State had also replied critics, noting that “...some of them claimed that the current government has done nothing, absolutely nothing. They also promised you the moon and claimed to be able to solve all your problems with a wave of a magic wand”.

Likening such to lies, Biya said “…I have not stopped and will never stop warning you against these purveyors of false hope”, before stating how he has always been on the side of truth since coming to power.

“…for my part, since my accession to the helm of State, I have opted to tell you the truth. I have never tried to hide from you the difficulties we face, mainly due to an increasingly complex international context,” the President said.

With such a saintly picture, as the wait for a new government continues, some observers have begun putting the Head of State face-to-face with his words. 

Others have dared to say he lied while those who believe in his shrewdness continue to argue that Biya is working out something big.

Biya & odd timings 

Biya as Head of State has nursed into the Cameroonian psyche the believe that, he doesn’t work under pressure and does things according to his pace. 

He has often adjusted his government or make major changes when people least expected.

But this season, it is the Head of State himself who has invited prying and anxious citizens into peeping and nosing around his inner kitchen, having promised them not just a new government but one that will correspond to the challenges of the times.

State business cautiously rolls on

The trundles of State power and services that slowed down in the days following the announced formation of a new government have cautiously become active. 

Most ministers who had been observed as fearing to engage in any major action(s), seem to have come out of the new government fright to start work.

It is thus, a team of appointees working with the message of a new government lurking. 

Despite going to work, many, we are told, continue to keep their personal belongings at home to avoid any embarrassment.

What’s possibly blocking new cabinet

If Biya has had it easy forming a cabinet in the last couple of decades, analysts say the signs are clear of how daunting the task is today. 

The President last changed his government on January 4, 2019. Over seven years on, complexities have added to what obtained in the past.

For one thing, he told citizens that actions will be taken to address injustices in appointments and bringing youths and women on board. 

With his decreasing popularity as reflected in the scores of the October 12, 2025, presidential election, Biya, pundits say, is not just forming any kind of government.

Many say, he faces the challenge of putting together a team that answers questions in almost all spheres of what makes Cameroon. 

Sources have it that the Unity Palace tenant is battling with retaining some old guards, keeping campaign promises, compensating those who gave him more votes, bringing in opposition faces and upholding unity. 

There is also the battle among camps within the government. With all these, Biya, pundits are saying, has a herculean task than any Cameroonian right now in forming a new government.

Running a gov’t with vacancies 

The government in place currently has six vacant positions of which three have been for years without even an interim.

The vacant positions are; Minister Delegate to the Minister of External Relations in charge of Relations with the Islamic World; Minister Delegate to the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development in charge of Rural Development; Secretary of State in the Ministry of Public Health in charge of Epidemics and Pandemics; the Minister of Mines, Industry and Technological Development; Ministry of Tourism and Leisure and the Ministry of Employment and Vocational Training. 

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3672 of Tuesday January 13, 2026