Among the dignitaries who paid New Year courtesies to the Head of State, President Paul Biya, was the Secretary General of the Central Committee of the CPDM, Jean Nkuété.
On Thursday, january 8, 2026, he led a delegation of Central Committee members resident in Yaounde ti the Unity Palace to extend New Year wishes to the National President of the Party. President Biya appeared at ease, exchanging handshakes marked by familiarity and calm assurance. Beyond the ritual greeting of members of the constituted corps, the Head of State moved around the ceremonial hall, stop- ping to engage a few personalities in brief but telling conversations. Among those privileged moments was a discreet exchange with the CPDM Secretary General.
For several minutes, President Biya spoke to Jean Nkuété, whose attentive posture spoke volumes. The Secretary General nodded thoughtfully, listening more than he spoke, as if receiving guidance. The President’s characteristic hand gestures at times sketching a globe in the air, at others raising his right hand with thumb and index finger held together were visible even from a distance. Jean Nkuété, in his customary humil- ity, leaned slightly forward, hands clasped at waist level, carefully taking in what appeared to be in- structions from the Party leader. He responded briefly, but above all, he listened. The scene, though quiet, carried political weight.
The year 2026 is a decisive one for the CPDM. Legislative and mu- nicipal elections, postponed to this year, are expected to take place, as confirmed by President Biya in his end-of-year address on December 31, 2025. For the Head of State, securing a strong parlia- mentary majority is essential to ef- fectively implement the policies and reforms outlined during his 2025 presidential campaign.
While the CPDM delivered vic- tory at the presidential poll, the challenge ahead is even greater: translating that suc- cess into a solid majority in Parlia- ment and local councils. Such a majority will be crucial to prevent obstruction by the opposition and to ensure the smooth passage of bills that advance the President’s vision for Cameroon.
As it continues to support the CPDM-led govern- ment of President Paul Biya, the party must remain fully m o b i l i s e d , strengthen internal discipline, ensure sound governance of its grassroots and central organs,
and above all, remain united be- hind its leader. The quiet exchange at the Unity Palace may have lasted only a few minutes, but for militants of the CPDM, it was a reminder that direction is being given, the com- pass is set, and the road to 2026 has clearly begun.
Jude VIBAN
