Governance analyst denounces presidential absences
During an appearance on Canal Presse on July 26, 2026, Benjamin Ngongang, a leading voice in Cameroonian governance debates, condemned President Paul Biya’s extended stays abroad, emphasizing that the head of state is not fulfilling duties on Cameroonian soil.
The analyst pointed out that the President has now spent 49 consecutive days overseas—a duration he described as unprecedented and unparalleled in global leadership norms. «The President of the Republic is not elected to govern from abroad,» Ngongang asserted during the live broadcast. «Even members of the ruling majority should be concerned when the head of state remains outside the country for so long—49 days and counting as of today.»
He added: «No other nation tolerates such prolonged presidential absences, whether for private or official reasons. Cameroon, it seems, has become an exception where a president can remain outside the country for over 30 days without consequence.»
International comparisons highlight Cameroon’s anomaly
Ngongang drew parallels with global leaders facing critical situations, noting that even presidents managing complex crises—such as the U.S. and Iranian leaders during active conflicts—do not abandon their duties for nearly two months. «These leaders make brief trips to negotiate technical matters handled by experts, then return immediately,» he explained. «They do not vanish for 49 days while their nations face challenges.»