President Paul Biya’s two-month absence from Cameroon is unprecedented, especially coming just eight months after his inauguration for an eighth consecutive term.
Despite the unusual length, Benoit Ndong Soumeth, a minister with special duties at the Presidency, maintains that the absence is not illegal. “The populace, out of affection, may wish to know what is happening with their leader. The Minister Director of the Civil Cabinet has affirmed that all is well. His assurance is the most authoritative way to calm any concerns. There are no issues. We are not facing an exceptional or urgent situation,” he stated.
However, Roger Justin Noah, First Deputy Secretary General and interim National Communication Secretary for Maurice Kamto’s opposition party, the MRC, views the lack of transparency surrounding the president’s European stay as a profound disrespect to the people of Cameroon.
“The Cameroonian people have a right to be informed“
“Why manipulate the electoral process only to spend weeks and weeks outside our country? If he is experiencing health issues, the Cameroonian people are entitled to that information. There is no justification for maintaining ambiguity about the President of the Republic’s health status,” Noah asserted.
Cabral Libii, who placed third in the October presidential election, dismisses the controversy as unnecessary. For him, the real focus should be on the upcoming first quarter of 2027. “I am among those who believe there is no significant difference between his time abroad and his time in Cameroon. Regardless of how one looks at it, from a legal standpoint, Cameroon currently faces a legal void, and I urge everyone: as we approach legislative and municipal elections, let us turn out in massive numbers to vote against this regime,” the opposition figure declared.
The PCRN deputy expresses hope for a potential shift in the majority, which could then lead to amendments in the legal framework governing presidential stays outside the country.
