(260520) -- YAOUNDE, May 20, 2026 (Xinhua) -- Cameroonian President Paul Biya (3rd R) watch a civilian parade during the National Day celebrations in Yaounde, Cameroon, on May 20, 2026. Cameroon on Wednesday marked the 54th anniversary of its National Day with military and civilian parades held across the country. (Xinhua/Kepseu)
For more than two months, Cameroon has been navigating uncharted waters as President Paul Biya remains in Switzerland, marking the longest absence of his 43-year tenure. The 7 June departure from Yaoundé has not only extended into a prolonged period of uncertainty but has also raised serious questions about the country’s leadership and the future of its political landscape.
Geneva as the new seat of power?
Official statements insist that governance continues as usual, yet the reality on the ground tells a different story. With no public appearances and limited communication, doubts persist about whether decisions are being made with the same authority as before. The absence of the Head of State has triggered speculation, with some questioning even his current status.
Silence fuels speculation
The Cameroonian government has attempted to reassure the public, but the lack of transparency has only deepened concerns. In a country where presidential decrees and public addresses have long shaped national discourse, the current void has left citizens and political observers grappling with uncertainty. Opposition figures have been vocal, pointing to the absence as a sign of systemic fragility.
Government decrees from afar
Despite the distance, official decrees continue to be issued, raising eyebrows about the circumstances under which they are being signed. The disconnect between Yaoundé and Geneva has become a defining feature of this period, with questions mounting over who is truly steering the ship.
