Cameroon President Paul Biya's Two-Month Absence Raises Health and Power Vacuum Concerns

Cameroon President Paul Biya, 93, has been out of the country for two months after departing on a private stay in Europe in early June. The long‑standing leader, in office since 1982 and re‑elected for an eighth term after a disputed November election, has faced speculation about his health and the lack of a vice‑president to assume duties.

Opposition figures, including former runner‑up Issa Tchiroma Bakary, say the president’s prolonged stay in Switzerland creates a perception of a power vacuum and undermines his legitimacy. Professor Wilson Tamfuh described the nation as “seriously sick,” noting that Boko Haram insurgencies in the north and separatist movements in the west, combined with a stagnant economy, have fueled unrest. Protests after the 2025 reelection left at least four dead, and Biya recently reshuffled senior military commanders.

The situation has heightened concerns over governance stability and the president’s capacity to lead amid ongoing security challenges.