President Paul Biya’s absence from Cameroon for two consecutive months, just eight months into his eighth presidential term, marks an unprecedented situation in the nation’s political landscape.

While this prolonged absence is unusual, it remains within legal bounds, according to Benoit Ndong Soumeth, a Minister charged with a mission at the Presidency. He stated, “A population, out of affection, might naturally wish to know about their leader’s situation. The Minister Director of the Civil Cabinet has affirmed that everything is well. His response should reassure everyone. There are no issues; we are not facing an exceptional or urgent circumstance.”

However, Roger Justin Noah, the first deputy secretary-general and interim national communication secretary for Maurice Kamto’s opposition party, the MRC, views the lack of transparency regarding the president’s European stay as a profound disrespect towards the Cameroonian populace.

“The Cameroonian people have a right to be informed”

“Why manipulate the electoral process only to spend weeks and weeks outside our country? If the President of the Republic is facing health challenges, the Cameroonian people are entitled to this information. There is no justification for maintaining ambiguity surrounding his health status,” Noah asserted.

Conversely, Cabral Libii, who secured third place in the October presidential election, dismisses the controversy as unnecessary. He shifts focus to the upcoming first quarter of 2027. “I am among those who believe there isn’t a significant difference between his time abroad and his time in Cameroon. Regardless of the perspective, from a legal standpoint, Cameroon currently faces a judicial vacuum. I urge everyone to turn out massively for the legislative and municipal elections and vote against this regime,” the opposition figure declared.

The PCRN deputy expresses hope for a potential change in the parliamentary majority, which could then lead to amendments in the laws governing presidential foreign travel.