Two months without public appearances, eight months after securing an eighth consecutive term, has become a rare and unsettling pattern.

Uncommon, yet entirely legal, counters Benoit Ndong Soumeth, a Special Advisor to the Presidency. « A population may naturally seek clarity regarding their leader’s whereabouts. The Director of the Civil Cabinet has confirmed everything is functioning normally. His statement stands as the most authoritative reassurance available. There is no crisis, no state of emergency, and no cause for concern, » he asserts.

Roger Justin Noah, First Deputy Secretary-General and Interim Communications Secretary for Maurice Kamto’s opposition Movement for the Republic of Cameroon (MRC), views the lack of transparency surrounding the President’s European stay as a disregard for Cameroonians.

« Cameroonians deserve full disclosure »

« Why manipulate the electoral process only to spend weeks abroad? If health concerns exist, the Cameroonian people have the right to know. There is no justification for obscuring the President’s health status, » he argues.

Such controversies are unnecessary, according to Cabral Libii, who ranked third in the October election. He emphasizes that the focus should instead be on the upcoming March 2027 legislative and municipal polls. « I believe there is no meaningful distinction between the President’s foreign stays and his presence in Cameroon. Legally, Cameroon operates within a constitutional gray area. I urge citizens to channel their energy into voting against this regime in the upcoming elections, » Libii asserts.

The PCRN deputy remains hopeful that a shift in parliamentary majority could pave the way for amendments to laws governing presidential absences abroad.