Cameroon’s 93-Year-Old President Paul Biya’s Prolonged Absence Fuels Speculation

Cameroon's president, Paul Biya, has been absent from public view for an unprecedented 53 days. The 93-year-old leader left for a private stay in Switzerland on June 7th, 2024 (year unspecified), alongside his wife, Chantal. Despite the duration of this absence, neither the president nor the first lady have addressed the country or been seen publicly since then.

Government Reactions and Statements

The government's response to Biya’s extended absence has been mixed, with conflicting statements from key officials. René Emmanuel Sadi, the minister of communication, claimed that President Biya is working from his Geneva residence and dismissed rumors about his condition as 'pure fantasy.' In contrast, Grégoire Owona, the labour minister, suggested that the president was simply on annual leave.

During another absence in October 2024, Cameroonian authorities banned any discussion of Biya’s health. However, local media have continued to publish claims that he is critically ill, and social media has seen a resurgence of jokes about him being a work-from-abroad president or a remote-work president.

Background to the Story

Biya's prolonged absences are not new; in recent years, he has spent much of his time at the five-star InterContinental hotel in Geneva. There is no official timetable for his return from this latest trip abroad. This lack of clarity has raised significant concerns among Cameroonian citizens and opposition parties.

Mamadou Mota, vice-president of the Cameroon Renaissance Movement party, noted a 'glaring institutional vacuum' during Biya's absence. He argued that a country cannot be governed by remote control while critical socioeconomic challenges go unaddressed. Mota’s concerns are particularly relevant given the upcoming elections in 2027.

Concerns and Warnings

The absence of official information has further undermined public trust in the government, potentially affecting economic stability. Cameroonian authorities have previously dismissed any discussion about Biya's health status, but local media continue to publish rumors. This situation has created a sense of uncertainty among investors who are hesitant to commit resources due to the lack of clarity regarding political leadership.

Cameroon’s economy is the largest in central Africa, yet high unemployment rates, inflation, and poor public infrastructure have stymied the prospects for its young population. According to Kohtem Sambit, secretary general of the opposition Movement for Patriotism and People's Prosperity, 'The [ruling] CPDM party appears more interested in holding on to power than addressing the concerns of Cameroonians.' He also highlighted that a debt of over 21 billion Central African francs was signed by someone whose whereabouts are unknown.

In response to Owona’s remarks about annual leave, Sambit emphasized that the president is still accountable to the Cameroonian people because he is paid with taxpayers' money. He further called for an impartial procedure to determine any 'temporary or permanent incapacity of the head of state.'

Political Instability and Future Concerns

The absence has also sparked political instability, as Biya's son and stepson jockey for position. Public disagreements between cabinet ministers have become commonplace. In April 2024, parliament reintroduced the office of vice-president as part of a constitutional overhaul, but the position remains unfilled. This leaves Cameroon without a designated deputy should the president become incapacitated.

As Biya’s son and stepson vie for power, public disagreements between cabinet ministers have increased. Last week, Jean Nkuete, the party's secretary general, convened a rare meeting of senior party officials. The CPDM described the gathering only as an 'important working session' without releasing any further details or agenda.

For businessman Nji Lucas, Biya’s prolonged absence has become an economic concern: ‘I do not have confidence because it is almost as if the country i

Source: The Guardian