Lead

Cameroon's government has sought to quell concerns over President Paul Biya's prolonged absence from the country, with the Minister of Communication and government spokesperson, René Emmanuel Sadi, telling RFI that the 93-year-old head of state is healthy and hard at work, even while abroad. Sadi announced Biya's imminent return to Cameroon, dismissing reports that the president is ill and hospitalized in a Geneva clinic, and rejecting opposition-fuelled speculation regarding a power vacuum.

"The question of a vacancy in the office of Head of State should not even arise," Sadi told RFI. "President Paul Biya is alive. President Paul Biya has not resigned – that must be stated clearly. President Paul Biya will soon return to Cameroon; therefore, at this stage, there are no grounds to speak of a vacancy in the leadership of the State," he insisted.

Coverage Comparison

Biya, who has ruled Cameroon since 1982, left the country on June 7 for what his office described as a "short private stay in Europe." As of early August, he had been absent for over 40 days, with reports indicating he is staying in Geneva, Switzerland. The prolonged absence has sparked debate and criticism, with opposition figures demanding that the Constitutional Council declare the presidency vacant.

Africa News reported that the absence has drawn criticism and intensified speculation about Biya's health, while an opposition lawmaker has asked the Constitutional Council to declare the presidency vacant. The ruling RDCP is pushing back, insisting the state remains functional, with party official Christophe Mien Zok stating in an editorial, "The office is not vacant. The Lion (Biya) has not left."

BBC News noted that Biya has continued to sign decrees while abroad, including appointments and authorizations for his government to sign loan agreements with international financial institutions. The lack of a vice president in Cameroon, despite the creation of a new post in April that remains unfilled, has added to concerns about institutional continuity.

RFI's coverage focused on the government's response, quoting Sadi extensively. The spokesperson said the question of a vacancy is governed by Cameroon's Constitution, "which explicitly defines the conditions under which a vacancy can be said to exist," and should not worry citizens. "The Constitution cites death, resignation, and permanent incapacity – all of which must be formally established beforehand by the Constitutional Council," he added.

Key Claims

  • President Paul Biya has been absent from Cameroon since early June for a private stay in Europe.
  • Biya is 93 years old and has been ruling Cameroon since 1982.
  • He was re-elected in October last year, winning an eighth term, in an election marred by accusations of fraud and violence.
  • The government spokesperson, René Emmanuel Sadi, stated that President Biya is healthy and has not resigned, and that he will soon return to Cameroon.
  • The opposition has demanded a declaration of a vacancy in the presidency due to Biya's prolonged absence.
  • Cameroon does not have a vice president, and a new post of vice-president created in April remains unfilled.
  • Biya has signed several decrees while abroad, including some authorizing his government to sign loan agreements with international financial institutions.

Perspectives

Government of Cameroon: The government, through spokesperson René Emmanuel Sadi, maintains that President Biya is alive, healthy, and working from abroad. Sadi argues that the constitution clearly defines the conditions for a vacancy, which do not currently apply, and that Biya will return soon.

Opposition parties: Opposition figures, including Roger Justin Noah of the MRC, have demanded a declaration of a vacancy, arguing that the lack of transparency regarding the president's stay in Europe shows a lack of respect for the Cameroonian people. The opposition UDC says a prolonged absence does not automatically mean a vacancy but raises legitimate questions about continuity in government.