A 93 year old president gets a deputy

This episode of The Documentary Podcast from the BBC World Service explores two powerful human stories amid global headlines. The first centers on Cameroon's 93-year-old President Paul Biya, who has ruled for 44 years and recently announced the creation of a vice presidency for the first time in the country's history. This move, framed as a step toward institutional stability, has sparked intense debate over succession, legitimacy, and the possibility of a dynastic handover to his son, Frank Biya. Analysts and critics question the transparency of the appointment process and highlight concerns about corruption, prolonged absenteeism, and ongoing conflicts in the Anglophone and northern regions. The second story follows Sasha, a young Russian exile in Germany, who emotionally reunites with friends across the Russia-Estonia border—meeting just 100 meters apart on opposite sides of the Narva River. Using a simple poster and a phone call, the brief but profound encounter captures the deep longing of displaced people. Meanwhile, the episode celebrates Godland, a 24-year-old Thai drag performer who made history as the first non-native English speaker and first Thai winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK vs. the World, symbolizing resilience, cultural pride, and the power of representation. Together, these narratives reflect on legacy, identity, and the enduring human need for connection across borders and time.