In his July 20, 2026 political editorial on Radio Tiémeni Siantou (90.5 FM in Yaoundé and Bafang), journalist Eric Boniface Tchouakeu raises concerns about President Paul Biya’s prolonged private visit to Europe.

The Cameroonian head of state left the country on June 7, 2026, officially for a short private stay in Europe, according to a statement from his Chief of Staff, Samuel Mvondo Ayolo.

Multiple reports, including from the reputable pan-African publication Jeune Afrique, confirmed that President Biya is indeed in Geneva, Switzerland—a city he frequently visits since assuming office on November 6, 1982.

What began as a brief trip has stretched into an indefinite absence, sparking intense public debate. Many are questioning the President’s health, despite repeated assurances from officials. Some even speculate about a potential power vacuum in Cameroon.

However, it’s crucial to clarify that Cameroon’s constitution does not tie the validity of presidential power to the number of days spent abroad. The legal framework does not impose any time limit on the President’s travels.

A power vacuum in Cameroon can only be declared under three strictly defined circumstances: death, resignation, or permanent incapacitation of the sitting President. The constitution provides no further clarification on what constitutes permanent incapacitation, leaving this interpretation open to debate.

Therefore, the prolonged absence of President Biya cannot, by itself, justify claims of a power vacuum. The President retains the constitutional right to govern from abroad throughout his term without legal repercussions.

The real issue lies in political ethics and public perception. The delayed formation of the government following the October 12, 2025 presidential election, coupled with the swift reinstatement of the Vice-President position—some argue prematurely—has fueled daily speculation about the President’s extended stay abroad.

Over his 43 years in uninterrupted power, President Biya has never issued a significant decree from overseas. This unprecedented situation raises questions about transparency and governance.