For more than 50 days, President Paul Biya of Cameroon has not been seen in public. His last reported appearance was on June 7, when the official journal, Cameroon Tribune, announced his departure for what was described as a “short private stay in Europe.” Despite the passage of almost two months, no further information has been released regarding his current location or a projected date for his return. This prolonged silence from the government, coupled with the fact that the Cameroonian president is 93 years old, has sparked widespread speculation and growing apprehension about the stability and continuity of the state.

Opposition political parties have voiced serious concerns, describing the situation variously as a “power vacuum,” the country operating on “autopilot,” or even a government functioning in “telework” mode. These anxieties raise critical questions about the constitutional provisions governing a president’s extended absence and whether such a situation could impede the effective management of important national affairs.

Political analyst Stéphane Akoa, affiliated with the Paul Ango Ela Foundation, offers insights into the unfolding situation.