President Paul Biya of Cameroon has not been seen publicly since June 7. At that time, the official newspaper, Cameroon Tribune, announced he was embarking on a “short private stay in Europe.” Now, more than 50 days have passed, yet no official details have emerged regarding his current location or an anticipated return date. Given the Cameroonian president’s advanced age of 93, this extended disappearance, coupled with the government’s silence, has ignited a wave of rumors and deep anxieties about the stability and continuity of the state. Opposition political parties have openly voiced concerns, describing the situation as a “power vacuum,” a government operating on “autopilot,” or even a “telework” administration. This raises critical questions for African politics today: What provisions does the Constitution outline for a president’s prolonged absence? And could this ongoing situation create significant impediments to the nation’s governance and the handling of crucial affairs?
