Limbe, Cameroon— Prominent political figure Aboubakar Ousmane Mey says Cameroonian President Paul Biya is no longer in control of the nation’s governance, claiming a “third party” is manipulating state operations.
In a recent interview with JA, Ousmane Mey described Biya as physically present but institutionally absent, suggesting the president is not the architect of recent controversial political moves, including the creation of a vice-presidential position.
Ousmane Mey, who was detained during the October 2025 presidential election on accusations of destabilization, used the platform to address the ongoing post-electoral crisis. He defended the actions of challenger Issa Tchiroma Bakary, whose rejection of the election results triggered nationwide protests and subsequent state repression. Tchiroma Bakary currently remains in exile in The Gambia.
“We have in front of us a regime that is retreating politically, but retains the reins of an army behind which it hides,” Ousmane Mey said.
The politician, who confirmed he is considering a run for parliament in the upcoming local elections, called for political reconciliation in the Grand North region, which saw significant violence following the disputed October 12, 2025, vote.
