Cameroon’s prolonged presidential absence sparks debate over governance

What began as a seemingly routine private trip to Europe has stretched into an unprecedented absence. Cameroonian President Paul Biya, along with his wife, has remained abroad for over 40 days since departing on June 7, 2026. Despite expectations of an imminent return, no official statement has been issued to address the mounting concerns of citizens who have not received any updates from their re-elected leader, who secured a new seven-year term in November 2025.

Frustration grows among Cameroonians over repeated presidential absences

President Biya, who has led Cameroon for over four decades, is no stranger to prolonged stays abroad. His frequent visits to Europe—particularly Switzerland—where he reportedly spends extended periods in luxury hotels rather than the Etoudi Palace, have long raised questions about his priorities. While health concerns may explain these trips, the secrecy surrounding his condition only fuels speculation. Unlike many African leaders who entrust their healthcare to foreign facilities, Biya’s reliance on overseas medical care remains a state secret, leaving citizens in the dark.

With no official updates, rumors swirl, and the government’s usual heavy-handed response looms in the background. The question persists: who truly governs Cameroon? Critics argue the country operates on autopilot, questioning how leadership can be effective when the head of state is frequently absent. At 93 years old and with visibly declining health, doubts persist about Biya’s ability to fulfill his duties. His latest electoral victory, achieved after sidelining credible opponents, may mark another term too far. Yet, Biya appears unfazed—his ambition seemingly tied to clinging to power until his final days, ensuring a grand national funeral.

Public patience is wearing thin. Opposition figures, including Deputy Jean Michel Nintcheu, have openly called for the Constitutional Council to declare a power vacuum. The government’s swift dismissal was telling: “Power is not vacant. The Lion has not left,” declared a senior official from the ruling party, evoking the regime’s familiar rhetoric.

Cameroon under Biya: where governments outlast presidential terms

The message is unmistakable: dissenters and citizens demanding accountability can move along—there’s nothing to see here. After all, as the saying goes, all is well in the best of all possible worlds. In Cameroon, however, reality defies such optimism.

This is the land of Africa’s oldest serving president, a nation where governance defies conventional timelines. Consider Martin Mbarga Nguélé, the 90-year-old head of Cameroon’s national security, who celebrated his birthday on July 1. Equally striking is the lack of governmental turnover: Prime Minister Joseph Dion Ngute’s current cabinet has remained unchanged since January 2019—longer than a single presidential term. Even after Biya’s re-inauguration on November 6, 2025, no new government was formed. And despite constitutional reforms reinstating the vice-presidential position last April, Biya has yet to appoint one.

Only in Cameroon