During a recent appearance on Canal Presse, Cameroonian governance expert Benjamin Ngongang sharply criticized President Paul Biya’s lengthy absences from the country.

President Biya’s recent private trip to Europe became the focal point of the July 26 broadcast on Canal 2 International, a private television station based in Douala. On the show, Mr. Ngongang questioned the practice of remote governance, noting that the president rarely conducts on-site visits to assess conditions firsthand.

“A president isn’t elected to govern from abroad. It’s concerning that even members of the ruling party, not just the opposition, should be troubled by the fact that the head of state is away for 49 days. As of today, he left Cameroon on June 7, and we’re already at 49 days. He’s matched his previous record, and if he doesn’t return tonight, he’ll set a new one for the longest foreign stay,” Mr. Ngongang argued during the broadcast.

“No other nation tolerates such prolonged presidential absences, whether for personal or official reasons. Cameroon is truly setting an unwanted precedent—no country allows a president to remain overseas for over 30 consecutive days,” he continued.

He further highlighted the absurdity of the situation by comparing Cameroon’s situation to other global leaders facing significant challenges. “Even leaders with far greater responsibilities—the U.S. president and Iran’s parliamentary speaker, both engaged in critical negotiations amid active conflicts—don’t remain abroad for 49 days. When the supreme leader is needed, it’s to finalize agreements that technical teams have already prepared,” he explained.