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Cameroon faces political crisis amid President Paul Biya's prolonged absence
Cameroon is facing a political and constitutional crisis due to the prolonged absence of President Paul Biya, who has been out of the country for over 65 days. While the presidential majority maintains that Biya continues to govern from abroad, the opposition has petitioned the Constitutional Council to declare a vacancy of power.
Opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary, who has been living in Gambia since November 2025, announced an imminent return to Cameroon. Tchiroma Bakary continues to contest the results of the October 2025 presidential election, claiming he won with 72% of the vote, whereas the Constitutional Council officially validated Paul Biya’s re-election with 53.66%.
Former magistrate Stéphane Menounga has criticized the situation as a dangerous institutional vacuum, stating that the Cameroonian Parliament has failed in its fundamental duties to control the government and enact laws. Menounga has urged President Biya to follow the precedent set by Ahmadou Ahidjo and relinquish power. The crisis is further complicated by legal disagreements among opposition figures regarding the correct interpretation of the law and the role of the vice-presidency in succession.
Entities
Ahmadou Ahidjo · Cameroon · Ferdinand Ngoh Ngoh · Issa Tchiroma Bakary · Paul Biya · Stéphane Menounga
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Former magistrate Stéphane Menounga stated that the Cameroonian Parliament fails to control government action or make laws. www.camer.be
- [● 2 SOURCES] President Paul Biya has been outside of Cameroon for over 65 days. netafrique.net · www.camer.be
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The opposition has petitioned the Constitutional Council to declare a vacancy of power. netafrique.net
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary announced an imminent return to Cameroon. netafrique.net
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Constitutional Council validated Paul Biya's re-election with 53.66% of the votes. netafrique.net
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Tchiroma Bakary claims he won the October 2025 presidential election with 72% of the vote. netafrique.net
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Former magistrate Stéphane Menounga has called on Paul Biya to follow the example of Ahmadou Ahidjo and relinquish power. www.camer.be