Succession of Paul Biya: Grégoire Owona Responds After Petition by Achille Mbembe and Allies

On October 9, 2026, Grégoire Owona, Minister of Labour and Social Security, responded on Facebook to a petition signed by Achille Mbembe, Akere Muna, Jean-Pierre Bekolo, Marie-Roger Biloa, Mimi Mefo, and others, calling for a constitutional transition. He stated that the Cameroonian Constitution only recognizes three reasons for presidential vacancy: death, resignation, or a confirmed impediment by the Constitutional Council, dismissing the idea of a de facto vacancy. Owona also emphasized that the term 'heir' does not exist within the republican framework of Cameroon, recalling that Paul Biya assumed power in 1982 following constitutional procedures.