Cameroon’s President Biya Absent Eight Weeks Amid Rising Concerns Over Constitutional Vacuum

Cameroonian President Paul Biya has been absent from the country for eight weeks, prompting growing public concern about his whereabouts and condition. His absence follows by just eight months the inauguration of his eighth consecutive term—a development described as unprecedented in Cameroonian political history.

Official assurances amid mounting questions

Benoît Ndong Somo, Minister Delegate to the Presidency with Special Responsibilities, acknowledged the unusual nature of the situation but stressed it remains within legal bounds. Speaking to Radio France Internationale, he noted: “The general public may, out of affection, feel the need to know what is happening to their leader.”

The Director of the Civil Cabinet similarly stated: “Everything is fine; there is no problem. We are not in a state of emergency or any exceptional situation.”

Opposition accuses government of opacity

Roger Justin Nwa, First Deputy Secretary-General and Acting National Communications Officer of the opposition Movement for the Renaissance of Cameroon (MRC), led by Maurice Kamto, criticized the lack of transparency surrounding the president’s stay in Europe. He characterized it as a failure to respect the Cameroonian people.

“Why should the electoral process be undermined simply because the president spends weeks abroad?” Nwa asked. “If the president is indeed facing health issues, the Cameroonian people have the right to know. There is no justification for maintaining ambiguity regarding the health status of the Head of State.”

Third-place presidential candidate dismisses controversy

Cabral Libii, who placed third in the October presidential election, dismissed the debate as unproductive. In his view, attention should instead focus on the first quarter of 2027.

He added: “I am among those who believe there is no fundamental difference between the president being abroad or in Cameroon. Whichever way we examine the matter, legally speaking, Cameroon is currently facing a constitutional vacuum.”

Libii concluded with a call to action: “I say to everyone: Legislative and municipal elections are approaching—let us turn out in large numbers to vote against this system.”