The 86 year old Cameroonian dictator could announce his resignation in the next few hours, according to French Cameroun media reports, as he faces pressure from the international community including members of his ruling CPDM crime syndicate to step down.

Etoudi appeared defiant however, with Prime Minister Dion Ngute and Secretary General Ferdinand Ngoh Ngoh meeting other cabinet ministers in the nation’s capital Yaoundé and listening to security chiefs about their concerns on the war in Southern Cameroons.

The sentencing of the Ambazonian leaders is seen as having precipitated the latest crisis deep within the Biya regime. Some French Cameroun newspapers reported yesterday morning that Biya will announce today that he will be quitting his post as chairman of the ruling party to pave the way for a smooth transition. The French Cameroon newspapers did not however cite any source and the presidency would not comment on the reports.

A senior Francophone editorialist serving with La Nouvelle Expression recently opined that Biya will remain as head of state while his successor is selected from within his acolytes in cabinet.

By Rita Akana in Yaounde