03.08.2026 13:15
After Cameroonian President Paul Biya left for Europe on June 7 for a private visit, his failure to return to the country for 54 days has reignited debates about the health condition of the 93-year-old leader, the functioning of the state administration, and the future of the ruling power. Official authorities have not disclosed where Biya, who has ruled the country for 44 years, is located.
Cameroonian President Paul Biya left the capital Yaoundé on June 7 with his wife Chantal Biya and an official delegation to travel to Europe.
HIS FAILURE TO RETURN TO THE COUNTRY FOR 54 DAYS SPARKED CONTROVERSY
Although a statement from the Presidency said the visit would be brief, no announcement has been made so far regarding a return date.
While reports that Biya is in Geneva, Switzerland, have received wide coverage in Cameroonian and international media, official authorities have not disclosed the country where Biya is located.
In statements from the government, it has been said that Biya is on a “private visit in Europe,” but official authorities have not confirmed the information that the President is in Geneva.
The fact that the President has not returned to the country for 54 days has also led to claims about his health condition being brought back onto the agenda.
The government previously denied reports that Biya was receiving treatment, stating that the President continues to carry out state affairs while abroad, but no official schedule has been shared regarding when Biya will return to the country or appear before the public.
There is also no confirmed diagnosis regarding the President's health condition or any official statement revealing that he is receiving hospital treatment.
OPPOSITION CALLS ON THE CONSTITUTIONAL COURT
The opposition Cameroonian Democratic Union (UDC) demanded that a statement be made to the public regarding the functioning of the state administration during the President's prolonged overseas visit.
Jean Michel Nintcheu, Chairman of the Cameroon Change Front (FCC), called on the Constitutional Court, demanding that the presidential office be declared vacant.
However, according to constitutional procedure, for such a decision to be made, it must be determined by authorized institutions that the President is permanently unable to perform his duties.
THE OFFICE OF VICE PRESIDENT WAS RE-ESTABLISHED
With a constitutional amendment adopted on April 4, 2026, the Cameroonian Parliament re-established the office of vice president, which had been abolished in 1972.
According to the new constitution, the vice president, to be appointed by the president, will complete the remaining term of office in the event of the death, resignation, or permanent inability of the head of state to perform his duties.
However, although the constitutional amendment has entered into force, no appointment has yet been made to this position.
The opposition criticized the amendment on the grounds that it gives the president the opportunity to determine his successor, while the ruling side argues that it aims to ensure continuity in state administration.
BIYA'S RULE APPROACHING 44 YEARS
Paul Biya, who took over the presidency on November 6, 1982, as part of the constitutional process following the resignation of Cameroon's first President Ahmadou Ahidjo, has been ruling the country for 44 years.
Biya, who previously served as prime minister from 1975 to 1982, continued his tenure by winning the presidential elections held in 1984, 1988, 1992, 1997, 2004, 2011, 2018, and 2025.
With the constitutional amendment adopted in 2008, the term limit applied for the presidency was lifted, and this regulation paved the way for Biya to run again. Biya also won the latest presidential election held in October 2025, extending his term.
At 93 years old, Biya continues to hold the title of the world's oldest serving head of state, while with his 44-year rule, he is among the longest-serving leaders in Africa.