Another prolonged ∆bsence from Paul Biya raises fresh concerns in Cameroon

Another prolonged absence from Paul Biya raises fresh concerns in Cameroon

Another prolonged absence by President Paul Biya has fuelled fresh speculations in Cameroon about the 93-year-old leader’s health and continued ability to govern.

Biya left Cameroon on June 7 for what the presidency described as a short private stay in Europe. But 44 days later, the president has yet to return.

This is the president’s longest absence from the country. In 2024, he spent 42 days out of the public eye.

Rumours of his death began to swirl, leading the Cameroonian presidency to officially debunk the reports.

Since Biya’s departure last month, official presidential social media accounts have continued to post messages from him, including decrees and congratulations to President Emmanuel Macron on France’s National Day. However, there has been no public appearance or direct speech from the president himself.

An opposition lawmaker asked the constitutional council to declare the presidency vacant.

However, the ruling party pushed back, saying the state remains functional.

“The office is not vacant. The Lion(Biya) has not left,” Christophe Mien Zok, a party official said.

There is law in Cameroon that sets a clear limit on how long the president may remain outside the country.

With no vice-president in place, the debate over succession and institutional continuity is now intensifying.

Several analysts have asked the constitutional council to act after 45 days.