Yaoundé, Cameroon – Wednesday, 2026-07-22 Cameroon’s President Paul Biya has been absent from the country for 45 days, having embarked on a private visit to Europe on June 7. His prolonged absence has ignited political scrutiny and speculation regarding his health, despite official statements from the ruling party, the Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM), that the presidency is not vacant.
The CPDM has maintained that the state remains functional despite the absence of the president.
However, an opposition lawmaker has called for the Constitutional Council to declare the presidency vacant, though no action has been taken to this effect as of July 2026. Cameroon’s President Paul Biya, who has been in office since 1982, is known for his frequent trips abroad, but this absence is the longest on record.
The government has not provided a timeline for his return, fueling rumors about his health.
The absence has led to increased speculation about the future of Cameroon’s leadership and its political stability.
The CPDM has continued to assert that the presidency is not vacant, with official social media accounts posting messages attributed to Biya.
However, the lack of a public appearance or update from the president himself has raised questions about his ability to govern.
An opposition lawmaker, Jean Michel Nintcheu, has publicly called for the Constitutional Council to declare the presidency vacant, arguing that after 45 days of absence, the Constitutional Council should act.
According to Nintcheu, the prolonged absence raises legitimate questions about the continuity of government and the exercise of presidential powers. Analysts and opposition figures argue that there is no clear legal limit on the president’s absence, but the Constitutional Council should act after 45 days. With no vice president in place, the debate over the vacancy of the presidency is likely to intensify.
Speculation about Biya’s health has also increased, with some suggesting that his prolonged absence may indicate serious health issues.
However, the government has provided no official updates on his condition, leaving the public and political analysts to speculate.
The situation in Cameroon is being closely watched, both domestically and internationally, as it could have significant implications for the country’s political landscape and stability.
The absence of the president has raised questions about the functioning of the government and the future of Cameroon’s leadership.
As of July 2026, the situation remains unresolved, with no clear timeline for President Biya’s return or any official explanation of his prolonged absence.
The debate over the vacancy of the presidency and the future of Cameroon’s leadership continues to be a matter of intense political scrutiny and speculation.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: africa
Source: Editor TO
