Cameroon president maintains control despite prolonged absence

The prolonged absence of Cameroon’s president has sparked concerns over a potential power vacuum, prompting Paul Biya to issue a flurry of decrees to assert his continued authority and governance.

At 93 years old, the head of state departed Cameroon with his wife on June 7, initially described as a “brief private stay in Europe.” However, nearly two months later, Biya remains out of public view, fueling speculation about his health.

In response to mounting questions, the president has adopted a proactive communication strategy, using executive decrees to maintain his presence in national affairs.

By late July, Biya signed a decree authorizing the Minister of Economy to finalize agreements with the Islamic Development Bank, securing nearly 28 billion CFA francs in funding. On August 3, he further reshuffled the military leadership, promoting five colonels to brigadier general rank and appointing General Ebaka Hypolite as the new Chief of Army Staff. These moves not only reinforce Biya’s influence but also tighten control over the country’s security apparatus.

The government has dismissed rumors of the president’s declining health and reassured the public of his imminent return. However, the prolonged absence has drawn sharp criticism from the opposition, which warns of an “institutional void” and a nation operating on “autopilot.” Demands for the appointment of a new government and vice president—long overdue—have intensified as uncertainty grows over Biya’s leadership.