Cameroon faces political uncertainty amid President Biya's absence

Cameroon is facing a period of political and constitutional uncertainty due to the prolonged absence of President Paul Biya. The 93-year-old leader has been away from the country since June 7, 2026, with reports suggesting he is receiving medical treatment in Geneva, Switzerland.

Amidst this vacuum, General Hippolyte Ebaka has emerged as a central figure in the military hierarchy. Following presidential decrees signed from abroad on August 3, Ebaka was appointed Major-General of the Army. With the Chief of Staff, René Claude Meka, also absent due to health reasons, Ebaka is considered the unofficial leader of the armed forces.

Adding to the tension, opposition figure and former minister Issa Tchiroma Bakary has announced his imminent return to Cameroon from exile in Gambia. Bakary, who contested the 2025 election results, has been challenging the legitimacy of the current administration from abroad. The combination of a long-absent president, a shifting military command, and an impending return of a political rival has raised significant questions regarding the country's governance and legal stability.