President Biya’s prolonged absence has fueled discussions about a power vacuum at the state’s helm. Joshua Osih, a leader of the Social Democratic Front (SDF), asserts that Cameroon is currently on autopilot.

President Paul Biya, who departed on June 7 for what was officially termed a “short private stay in Europe,” has remained abroad for over 40 days, yet to return to Yaoundé. This extended absence has intensified the ongoing debate about a presumed power vacuum within the highest echelons of the state.

During a press conference held on Thursday, July 23, SDF President and Member of Parliament Joshua Osih voiced strong criticism of the current political climate, which he believes has plunged the nation into deep uncertainty. “A Head of State absent for over six weeks. A vacant vice-presidency. Cameroon is on autopilot, and one cannot rely on autopilot during a storm,” the elected official declared emphatically.

Osih further explained that his party, the SDF, was not merely observing the crisis but had “come with water to extinguish the fire.” The opposition leader urged a swift return to the fundamental principles of the rule of law in Cameroon. This statement aligns with similar demands previously made by several other opposition leaders and civil society figures, including Jean-Michel Nintcheu, who has formally petitioned the Constitutional Council to declare a power vacuum at Etoudi.

In contrast, the ruling party has firmly rejected any suggestion of a power vacuum. Jacques Fame Ndongo, Minister of State and National Communication Secretary for the Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM), unequivocally stated, “There is no power vacuum at the apex of the state.”