Cameroon’s president Paul Biya absent abroad for eight weeks

President Paul Biya of Cameroon has been absent from his country for eight weeks, sparking concern among citizens and opposition figures.

His office initially described the trip to Europe as a “short private visit,” but the prolonged stay has raised questions about transparency and governance.

At 93 years old and serving his eighth consecutive term, Biya is one of the world’s longest‑serving leaders. Officials insist there is no crisis, with Deputy Minister Benoît Ndong Soumeth assuring the public that “everything is fine” and that the president continues to fulfill his duties abroad.

Opposition voices, however, argue that Cameroonians have the right to be informed. Roger Justin Noah of the MRC party criticized the lack of communication as disrespectful to citizens. Meanwhile, Cabral Libii, who placed third in the last presidential election, downplayed the issue, suggesting that legal reforms might be needed to clarify how long a head of state can remain outside the country.

Speculation persists that Biya may be in Switzerland for health reasons, though the government has denied such claims. His extended absence is the longest since he came to power, intensifying debate about leadership continuity and constitutional safeguards in Cameroon.