Date: July 22, 2026
By Kimberly Wilson
YAOUNDÉ, Cameroon — Cameroon’s ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM) convened a rare meeting of its senior leadership on Wednesday as criticism intensified over the prolonged absence of President Paul Biya, who has spent more than 45 days outside the country without any official indication of when he will return.
Biya, 93, the world’s oldest serving head of state, left Cameroon on June 7 for what the presidency described as “a brief private stay in Europe.” However, the veteran leader has remained abroad far longer than initially expected, fueling widespread speculation about his health, whereabouts, and ability to govern the Central African nation.
The emergency meeting was called by Jean Nkuete, secretary-general of the CPDM’s Central Committee. While Nkuete described the gathering only as “an important working session,” he did not disclose its agenda, and party officials offered no indication that the meeting was directly related to Biya’s continued absence from public view.
Biya has served as Cameroon’s president since 1982, making him one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders. Throughout his presidency, he has frequently spent extended periods in Switzerland and other European countries. However, observers note that the current trip is his longest overseas absence since taking office, increasing concerns among opposition politicians and sections of the public.
The government has so far remained silent on when Biya is expected to return. Officials have also declined to provide details about his activities abroad, maintaining only that he is capable of governing the country remotely. Government representatives have repeatedly dismissed reports suggesting the president is receiving medical treatment overseas.
The president’s prolonged absence has prompted growing criticism from opposition parties, which argue that Cameroonians deserve greater transparency regarding the leadership of the country. On July 18, the Cameroon Democratic Union (CDU) called on government officials to provide “the necessary clarifications regarding the effective continuity of the state.
Opposition lawmaker Jean Michel Nintcheu went even further, stating in a social media post that the Constitutional Court should declare the office of the presidency vacant because of Biya’s extended absence. His remarks have intensified political debate over constitutional succession and executive authority.
The controversy follows similar events in 2024, when Biya’s lengthy stay outside Cameroon triggered widespread speculation about his health. In response, the government introduced a ban on public discussion of the president’s medical condition, arguing that such speculation threatened national stability. Despite the restriction, questions about the president’s condition have continued to surface.
Political uncertainty has also been fueled by recent constitutional changes. In April, lawmakers approved the reintroduction of the position of vice president, who would be first in line to succeed the president if the office became vacant. However, the position has yet to be filled, leaving uncertainty over the country’s constitutional succession process.
Adding to the uncertainty, Biya has not appointed a new government despite winning re-election in October 2025. Analysts say the delay has raised additional questions about the administration’s direction and decision-making process as the country faces economic and security challenges.
Cameroon, a major producer of cocoa and oil, continues to face multiple domestic issues, including economic pressures and an ongoing separatist conflict in its English-speaking regions. Some political observers argue that the president’s absence has created concerns about leadership during a period of significant national challenges.
Supporters of the ruling party maintain that Biya remains fully capable of carrying out his constitutional responsibilities regardless of his location. They argue that modern communication allows the president to continue overseeing government affairs while abroad, rejecting opposition claims that the country lacks effective leadership.
As speculation continues to grow, attention remains focused on whether the ruling party will provide further information following its leadership meeting or whether President Biya will soon return to Cameroon. Until then, questions surrounding the country’s political leadership and future succession plans are likely to remain at the center of national debate.