As the post-Biya era looms, internal rivalries are dominating governance and politics in Cameroon to the exclusion of all else, With every birthday – 13 February was his 91st – the succession to President Paul Biya draws nearer, as does the intensity of the rivalry of the factions aiming to replace him. Because opposition parties are not allowed to represent themselves as alternatives to the status quo, the contest for the succession between Biya s followers takes place in the shadows. Their plans – other than to maintain power and influence – are unknown.