Staff Reporter
YAOUNDÉ, Cameroon — Political uncertainty is deepening in Cameroon following President Paul Biya’s 45-day absence from the country, with growing calls from opposition parties for clarity on the state of leadership and continuity of government.
The ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM) recently convened a rare meeting of senior party officials, fuelling speculation over possible succession plans and the future direction of the country.
Opposition leaders have urged the government to provide information on President Biya’s condition and whereabouts, arguing that citizens deserve assurance on the functioning of state institutions.
Biya, who has ruled Cameroon since November 1982, is Africa’s second-longest-serving president after Equatorial Guinea’s Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo.
The 92-year-old leader has not publicly designated a successor, leaving questions over a possible transition of power in the event of prolonged absence or incapacity.
The uncertainty comes after Cameroon recently approved legislation paving the way for the creation of a vice presidency, although the position remains vacant.
President Biya’s political journey dates back to the early years of independent Cameroon. A career civil servant, he rose through government ranks before serving as Prime Minister from 1975 to 1982 under the country’s first president, Ahmadou Ahidjo.
He assumed the presidency in November 1982 after Ahidjo resigned and later consolidated his authority within the ruling party, which was renamed the Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement.
In the early 1990s, Biya introduced multiparty politics following growing domestic and international pressure for political reforms. However, his successive election victories have often been disputed by opposition parties and critics, who have raised concerns over electoral transparency.
During his more than four decades in power, Biya has maintained strong control over state institutions while facing challenges including separatist conflict in the country’s English-speaking regions, economic pressures and demands for greater political reforms.
Political analysts say the president’s extended absence has renewed discussions about succession and institutional preparedness, particularly in a country where leadership transition has remained a sensitive issue.
The government has not announced any change in leadership arrangements, and Biya remains the country’s sitting president.
