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Cameroon presidential absence fuels succession debate

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2026-07-26 03:21 UTC → 2026-07-28 21:34 UTC · added removed

Early 2026 saw armed bandits rob traders bandit raids in Logone Oriental and separatist strikes in Bangourain, prompting UN warnings. In May separatist leaders urged Bamenda residents to stay indoors and boycott Unity Day; the government deployed extra troops while for the ceremony proceeded under tight security. ceremony. The following year’s Unity Day turned dramatic when President Paul Biya, 93, collapsed, leading to speculation about his health. sparking health speculation. Biya travelled privately to Europe in June for medical consultations; consultations, while the government denied any hospitalization. A forged decree naming a vice‑president appeared aired on CRTV on 12 June and was dismissed as an “attempt at an institutional coup.” By mid‑July Biya had been abroad for more than 45 days, the longest absence in his tenure. Opposition tenure, prompting opposition lawmakers urged to urge the Constitutional Council to declare the presidency vacant. The ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement convened held a rare senior‑leadership meeting on 23 July, described as an “important working session.” By late July Late‑July opposition figures, citing a “glazing institutional vacuum,” called for an impartial procedure to assess whether the head of state is temporarily or permanently unable to perform his duties. president’s capacity. Government officials, including Higher‑Education Minister Jacques Fame Ndongo, reiterated that said Biya continues to manage state manages affairs from abroad through his aides. The abroad; the vice‑president post remains unfilled stays empty and no new cabinet has been appointed since Biya’s his re‑election. Constitutional scholars and opposition parties continue to press for clarification of succession procedures. rules. On 25 July the president’s Biya’s absence reached 48 days as he remained in Geneva after departing on 7 June. Geneva; opposition leaders Mamadou Mota and Patricia Tomaino Ndam Njoya demanded a procedure to assess his capacity, while Alice Nkom questioned the legality of decrees signed abroad, echoing a 2024 controversy. By 28 July the stay extended beyond 50 days, fueling health rumours and succession speculation, which civil cabinet director Samuel Mvondo Ayolo denied, insisting Biya is “doing well.”

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  1. 2026-07-28 21:34 UTC Cameroon presidential absence fuels succession debate
  2. 2026-07-26 03:21 UTC Cameroon presidential absence fuels succession debate

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