Opposition party calls for robust constitutional frameworks as President Paul Biya’s prolonged absence raises governance concerns
President Paul Biya of Cameroon departed for a brief private visit to Europe on June 7, 2026, accompanied only by a small entourage. The official announcement from the Civil Cabinet provided no further details on the nature of his trip or its duration. Unconfirmed reports suggest his destination was Switzerland, though no official confirmation has been issued. Over 40 days since his departure, the head of state has remained silent, leaving both the public and media outlets struggling to verify information regarding his whereabouts and activities abroad.
The prolonged absence has sparked widespread speculation among Cameroonians, particularly within political circles. Patricia Tomaino Ndam Njoya, leader of the Union démocratique du Cameroun (UDC), has been vocal about the lack of transparency surrounding the President’s extended absence from the Palais de l’Unité, the seat of government. The UDC, along with its supporters, has raised pressing questions about the continuity of public governance and the mechanisms in place to address temporary presidential incapacitation.
The UDC emphasizes that institutional stability demands clear guidelines for managing prolonged presidential absences. The party advocates for a vice-presidential position—mandated by the constitutional revision of April 14, 2020—to ensure uninterrupted governance. Key recommendations include establishing precise rules and timelines for presidential absences, ensuring regular updates to the nation and Parliament, and defining procedures for delegating presidential functions when necessary. The party also stresses the importance of a transparent process to determine definitive incapacitation and prevent institutional gridlock at the highest levels of government.
The current absence has intensified scrutiny, especially in light of recent political developments. Following the presidential election and the commencement of President Biya’s eighth term, citizens had anticipated the formation of a new government to implement his policy agenda. However, more than six months later, the government remains unformed. Similarly, the constitutional revision that introduced the vice-presidential role has yet to see this position filled, leaving a critical gap in governance.
Compounding concerns, unverified presidential decrees surfaced on state broadcaster CRTV, nearly triggering an institutional crisis in the absence of the head of state. As the country approaches the end of July, legislative and municipal elections loom on the horizon, further intensifying political dynamics and prompting urgent discussions within parties, including the ruling RDPC. Notably, the RDPC’s Central Committee has scheduled a statutory meeting for July 21, 2026, despite the President’s continued absence from Cameroon.
