Governance analyst challenges president’s prolonged overseas absence

Cameroon’s ongoing political discussion took a sharp turn this weekend as governance expert Benjamin Ngongang publicly questioned President Paul Biya’s extended absence from the country. During his appearance on a local television program, Ngongang highlighted what he described as an unprecedented situation where the head of state spends 49 consecutive days abroad.

«A president is not elected to govern from abroad. Even members of the ruling coalition should be concerned about such prolonged overseas stays. The president departed Cameroon on June 7th and, as of July 26th, has now spent 49 days outside the country. If he doesn’t return tonight, he will set a new record for overseas absence», Ngongang stated during the show.

He continued, «No other nation experiences this level of presidential absence. Cameroon appears to be breaking new ground here. Most countries would never allow a president to remain outside their borders for more than 30 days, whether for personal or official reasons».

«Consider leaders facing critical challenges like the US president or Iran’s parliamentary speaker, who are currently managing wartime situations. They don’t remain abroad for 49 days, even when negotiating complex peace agreements. They travel, conduct discussions, and return because ultimate authority figures handle negotiations through specialized teams», Ngongang explained during the program.