Cameroon government denies power vacuum amid Biya’s absence

The Head of State of Cameroon, President Paul Biya, has been in Switzerland for over 56 days, sparking widespread speculation about his health and the possibility of a leadership vacuum. In response to mounting rumors suggesting otherwise, Communication Minister and government spokesperson René Emmanuel Sadi has firmly dismissed these claims, affirming that the President remains alive and in full control of the nation.

During a press briefing, Minister Sadi clarified, “President Paul Biya is alive and has not resigned. I must state clearly that he will return to Cameroon soon, and at this time, there is no question of an absence of leadership at the highest level of the state.”

The spokesperson acknowledged that President Biya underwent a medical procedure in Geneva, though he did not disclose the nature of the surgery. “He recently had an intervention,” Sadi noted, “but I must emphasize that he is not hospitalized.” He reassured the public that Cameroon’s institutions are functioning normally, with key government officials carrying out their duties without disruption.

Addressing concerns about a potential power vacuum, Sadi emphasized that such a scenario is not possible under the current circumstances. “The question of a leadership void should not even arise,” he stated, pointing out that the Constitutional Council—the only body authorized to make such a determination—has not issued any such declaration.