The opposition leader made his demand public on July 17 through a statement posted on his Facebook page. Nintcheu emphasized that the Constitutional Council must officially declare a vacancy at the summit of the State, given the 44-day absence of President Paul Biya, who left Cameroon on June 7 for what was initially described as a short private stay in Switzerland.

Ruling party dismisses concerns

In response, the ruling RDPC party has sought to allay concerns about the president’s absence. Christophe Mien Zok, the party’s director of propaganda, dismissed rumors of a power vacuum, stating: “The Lion has not left; the power is not vacant.” The president continues to conduct official duties from Geneva, including signing congratulatory messages to foreign counterparts, such as French President Emmanuel Macron on July 14 during France’s national holiday.