Political uncertainty grips Cameroon as president remains abroad

The prolonged absence of President Paul Biya has once again brought the issue of a potential power vacuum to the forefront of national discourse. More than six weeks after departing for what was described as a brief private visit to Europe, the Head of State has yet to return to Yaoundé.

Opposition voices concern over governance vacuum

During a press briefing on July 23, Joshua Osih, leader of the Social Democratic Front (SDF) and Member of Parliament, condemned the situation, describing a country operating in autopilot mode amid critical challenges. “A Head of State absent for over six weeks, a vacant vice-presidency, and Cameroon running on autopilot—we cannot afford to entrust our nation’s future to such a precarious system during turbulent times,” he declared.

Osih emphasized that his party is not merely pointing out problems but offering solutions. “We bring water to extinguish the fire,” he remarked, calling for a return to the core principles of the rule of law in Cameroon. His statements echo growing demands from opposition leaders and civil society activists, including Jean-Michel Nintcheu, who has formally petitioned the Constitutional Council to declare a power vacuum at the presidency.

Ruling party dismisses power vacuum claims

In response, the ruling party has categorically denied any power vacuum at the state’s highest level. “There is no power vacuum at the helm of the state,” asserted Jacques Fame Ndongo, Cameroon’s Minister of State and National Communication Secretary of the Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM).