Yaoundé, Cameroon – President Paul Biya, the world’s oldest serving head of state at 93, has been absent from Cameroon for 45 days, prompting a rare meeting of the Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM), his ruling party. Officials commented on the matter.
The CPDM’s central committee secretary-general, Jean Nkuete, referred to the meeting as an “important working session “without revealing its agenda. This unusual development has coincided with growing criticism from opposition politicians, who have called for clarity on the president’s status and the continuity of state functions. Biya, who has been in office since 1982 and is serving his seventh term, has been a figure of international interest due to the longevity of his rule.
His absence has reignited succession questions, especially given his age and the lack of a publicly identified successor. Cameroon’s approval of legislation reintroducing the vice president position, which would stand first in line to succeed the president, has not yet been filled. Investors are closely monitoring the situation, as Cameroon is a significant economy in Central Africa, a major producer of cocoa, crude oil, natural gas, and timber.
The prolonged uncertainty surrounding political leadership could impact governance, policy continuity, and investor confidence. Government officials have consistently rejected speculation about Biya’s health, stating that he remains capable of governing from abroad.
The opposition, however, has called for the Constitutional Court to declare the presidency vacant due to the prolonged absence.
The country awaits the outcome of the CPDM meeting, which is expected to provide further insight into the political landscape and the future of President Biya’s rule.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: Africa.businessinsider
Source: Solomon Ekanem
