Cameroon’s opposition figure Jean-Michel Nintcheu is pressing the Constitutional Council to formally recognize the power vacuum at the presidency following President Paul Biya’s absence from the country for over a month and a half.

President Biya, who left on June 7 for what was initially described as a brief private trip to Switzerland, has yet to return to Yaoundé. The prolonged absence has reignited discussions about the 93-year-old leader’s health and ability to govern. Cameroonians are divided in their reactions, with opinions sharply split along political lines.

On his official Facebook page, former SDF party member Jean-Michel Nintcheu issued a direct appeal to the Constitutional Council. “The Constitutional Council must recognize the vacancy at the pinnacle of the State,” he declared in a post published on July 17.

Ruling party dismisses concerns

Meanwhile, the ruling RDPC party has sought to downplay the situation. Christophe Mien Zok, the party’s propaganda chief, reassured the public, stating, “The power is not vacant. The Lion has not left.” Belying these claims, President Biya has continued to issue official decrees and congratulatory messages from Geneva, including a message to French President Emmanuel Macron on July 14, marking France’s national holiday.