Cameroon’s leadership crisis intensifies as President Paul Biya remains abroad for over 40 days, sparking constitutional debates and political uncertainty.

Since departing on 7 June for what was described as a brief private visit to Europe, President Paul Biya has yet to return to Yaoundé. This prolonged absence has reignited discussions about a potential power vacuum at the highest level of government.

During a press briefing on 23 July, Joshua Osih, leader of the Social Democratic Front (SDF) and opposition lawmaker, condemned the situation, warning that the country is drifting toward instability. “A Head of State absent for more than six weeks. An empty vice-presidency. Cameroon operating on autopilot—yet no nation should entrust its future to autopilot during a crisis,” he declared.

The opposition leader insisted his party isn’t merely pointing out problems but offering solutions. “We’ve arrived not to fan the flames but to douse the fire,” he stated. Osih urged a return to the core principles of the rule of law in Cameroon, echoing calls from other opposition figures and civil society leaders, including Jean-Michel Nintcheu, who has petitioned the Constitutional Council to declare a power vacuum in Etoudi.

Ruling party dismisses power vacuum claims

In response, the ruling party has categorically denied any power vacuum. “There is no power vacuum at the summit of the state,” declared Jacques Fame Ndongo, Minister of State and Secretary of Communication for the Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM).