Cameroon President Paul Biya’s 45‑day Absence Sparks Constitutional Debate and Party Meeting

President Paul Biya, 93, left Cameroon on 7 June for a “brief private stay” in Europe and has not returned after more than 45 days abroad, the longest absence of his tenure. Criticism has mounted over his health and ability to govern, with opposition lawmakers urging the Constitutional Council to declare the presidency vacant.

The ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM) convened an emergency session of senior officials, described as “an important working session,” to address the growing criticism, though no agenda was disclosed. The government has barred public discussion of Biya’s health and asserts that the state continues to function, noting that a vice‑president position remains unfilled and no new government has been appointed since Biya’s re‑election. Constitutional scholars point out that Cameroon’s constitution does not define a vacancy for a prolonged absence, a view echoed by CPDM officials who claim “there is no vacancy of power.”