Cameroon’s Head of State, President Paul Biya, has been in Europe since June 7, 2026, officially for a short private stay, according to the government communiqué issued by his Cabinet Director, Samuel Mvondo Ayolo.

What does the law say about presidential absence from Cameroon?

The prolonged stay of Cameroon’s 93-year-old President has fueled speculation about his health and even raised questions about a potential vacancy in power. However, the Cameroonian constitution does not link the concept of a vacant presidency to the number of days a president spends abroad.

According to the 1996 constitution, a vacancy can only be declared in three specific cases: the President’s death, resignation, or definitive impediment. The text does not define what constitutes a definitive impediment, leaving this interpretation open.

Why is the current absence sparking debate?

The absence coincides with two notable delays: the formation of the government after the October 12, 2025 presidential election and the reintroduction of the Vice-President position, which was swiftly implemented. These delays, alongside the unusual pattern of decrees issued from abroad during Paul Biya’s 43-year tenure, have intensified public scrutiny.

While there is no legal restriction on the President governing remotely, concerns arise over the ethical and moral implications of prolonged absence during critical political transitions.