Cameroon governance expert blasts president’s long foreign stays

Yaoundé, Cameroon – A prominent governance analyst has sharply criticized President Paul Biya’s frequent and prolonged absences from Cameroon, calling into question the legitimacy of remote governance during his extended stays abroad.

Speaking on Canal Presse, a live political discussion show on Canal 2 International, analyst Benjamin Ngongang highlighted that the Head of State has been out of the country for 49 consecutive days as of July 26, 2026 — a duration that, he argues, sets an unprecedented record for national leadership.

a president absent for nearly two months

Ngongang pointed out that President Biya left Cameroon on June 7 and has yet to return, effectively surpassing his previous record of extended foreign stays. He emphasized that such prolonged absence is not only unconstitutional but also undermines national sovereignty.

“The President of the Republic is not elected to govern from abroad. Even members of his own majority should be alarmed that he has been away for 49 days. This is not normal. No other country in the world tolerates such prolonged absence of its leader, whether for personal or official reasons,” Ngongang declared during the broadcast.

comparisons with global leaders spark debate

The governance expert contrasted Cameroon’s situation with that of other world leaders facing complex crises, such as the U.S. President and Iran’s Assembly Speaker, who, despite pressing geopolitical challenges, do not remain abroad for such extended periods.

“Even leaders managing wars must return to conclude negotiations led by technical teams. A Head of State cannot be absent for nearly two months without consequences for national stability,” he added.

Ngongang’s remarks come amid growing public unease over the President’s extended foreign stays, raising concerns about governance continuity and accountability in Cameroon.