President Paul Biya’s two-month absence from Cameroon, just eight months into his eighth consecutive term, marks an unprecedented period of public disappearance for the nation’s leader.

Despite the unusual nature of this extended absence, Benoit Ndong Soumeth, a Minister of State at the Presidency, maintains its legality. He states, “A population may, out of affection, feel the need to know what is happening to its leader. The Minister, Director of the Civil Cabinet, has responded that all is well. His answer is the most valid to reassure everyone. There is no problem. We are not in an exceptional or urgent situation.“

However, this official reassurance fails to satisfy Roger Justin Noah, the First Deputy Secretary General and interim National Communication Secretary for Maurice Kamto’s opposition party, the MRC. He views the lack of transparency surrounding the President’s stay in Europe as a profound disrespect towards the Cameroonian populace.

The cameroonian people deserve information

Noah vehemently questions, “Why manipulate the electoral process only to spend weeks and weeks outside our country? If he is experiencing health issues, the Cameroonian people have a right to be informed. There is no reason to maintain ambiguity regarding the health status of the President of the Republic.“

Conversely, Cabral Libii, who secured third place in the October presidential election, considers the controversy unnecessary. For him, the real focus should be on the first quarter of 2027. He asserts, “I am among those who believe there is no significant difference between his stay abroad and his stay in Cameroon. Regardless of how one views it, from a legal standpoint, Cameroon currently faces a legal void. I urge everyone, as we approach legislative and municipal elections, to vote massively against this regime.“

The PCRN deputy expresses hope for a potential shift in parliamentary majority, which could then lead to amendments in the legal frameworks governing presidential trips abroad.