A new political chessboard is unfolding in Cameroon. While Franck Biya, the president’s son, has long been considered a potential successor, another relative is quietly building influence behind the scenes.

Louis Paul Motaze, cousin to Franck Biya and adopted son of President Paul Biya, has spent years crafting a network of allies across the country. According to reports from political insiders, southern elites have reportedly conveyed their reservations about Franck Biya’s candidacy to the president. “The influence of southern elites in Cameroon’s public administration cannot be overstated,” noted one political analyst familiar with the situation.

Motaze’s rise has been methodical. He has held key positions, including Director General of the National Social Insurance Fund (CNPS), Minister of Economy, Planning and Territorial Development, Secretary-General of the Presidency, and most recently, Minister of Finance. Observers describe him as the second most powerful figure in the country after President Biya, thanks to his extensive network.

Influence in the West Region

His connections run deep in Cameroon’s West Region, where he has cultivated relationships with traditional leaders and business figures. One notable ally is Nayang Toukam Innocent, a prominent traditional leader who has organized high-profile pan-African gatherings. Motaze met with him five years ago in Batoufam’s royal palace, accompanied by a delegation that included the CEO of Biopharma. “Through these alliances, Motaze has positioned himself as a unifying figure, avoiding tribal divisions even in his inner circle,” explained the analyst. “His ability to distance himself from controversial figures like businessman Amougou Belinga—after the Martinez Zogo scandal—has only strengthened his image.”

While Motaze avoids the spotlight, his strategic moves have not gone unnoticed. His cousin Franck Biya, often seen as the president’s preferred successor, faces challenges in gaining youth support in the South. Meanwhile, Ferdinand Ngoh Ngoh, another potential contender, is seen as less generous by comparison. “Motaze’s rise reflects a calculated strategy to position himself as the president’s most reliable successor,” the analyst concluded.