The news was recently marked by the visit of Franck Biya to the site of the Mbankolo tragedy in Yaoundé. The eldest son of the Cameroonian president went to the scene to provide support and comfort to the victims of the landslide that occurred on October 8. However, this visit sparked much speculation about Franck Biya’s political intentions.
Dressed in jeans and a shirt, Franck Biya spent nearly an hour among the rubble and rubble of Mbankolo, accompanied by the prefect of the Mfoundi department. Some quickly put forward the idea that his visit was due to his geographical proximity to the site of the tragedy, his residence being located a few hundred meters away, on the heights of Mont Fébé.
However, many political observers see this visit as a way for Franck Biya to get closer to the Cameroonian people and score points for his potential political ambitions. Although his name has been mentioned for several years as a possible successor to his father, he has never made a statement on the subject.
In recent years, Franck Biya has regularly found himself alongside his father during outings and official ceremonies, such as during President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Cameroon. This proximity to power and this media exposure fuel speculation about his political intentions.
Mbankolo’s visit was not the only stop of the day for Franck Biya. He also went to the residence of the coordinator of the “Franckist Movement”, an organization which has been campaigning for several years in favor of his candidacy for the next presidential election. This visit reinforced the idea of Franck Biya’s political involvement.
However, Franck Biya has never taken a public position towards these movements which support him. His public appearances, often discreet and measured, fuel conjectures about his political ambitions. He maintains a certain mystery around him, cultivating the image of a man close to the people, but remaining silent about his intentions.
Some analysts see his visit to Mbankolo as an element of building a public image. His casual outfit reflects his solidarity with the victims, but also a subtle message from Franck Biya: “I am like you, I come to you without the attributes of power to which I am accustomed.” His deliberate silence leaves room for interpretation and makes him an enigmatic and intriguing character.
Meanwhile, a think tank is working on a document summarizing a strategy for the development of Cameroon within the Franckist Movement. This reflection could be the preamble to a possible candidacy of Franck Biya for the presidency.
In conclusion, Franck Biya’s visit to Mbankolo and his proximity to the movements advocating his candidacy fuel speculation about his political ambitions. While cultivating an image of solidarity with the people, Franck Biya leaves the mystery surrounding his true intentions for the future of Cameroon.