Cameroun: government denies power vacuum amid Paul Biya’s absence
The prolonged absence of Cameroon’s President Paul Biya has sparked fresh questions, with the head of state having been outside the country for nearly two months. Government officials have now stepped forward to clarify the situation.
The Minister of Communication and government spokesperson, René Emmanuel Sadi, confirmed in a statement that the president remains alive and that there is no power vacuum in the country.
Government insists on no power vacuum
This official statement marks the first direct response from Cameroonian authorities since the president’s prolonged absence began. It comes as opposition figures demand institutional clarity regarding the president’s ability to carry out his duties.
« There is no power vacuum, » declared René Emmanuel Sadi in response to journalist Polycarpe Essomba. The minister stressed that President Biya has neither resigned nor ceased to perform his duties as head of state.
Constitutional interpretation under scrutiny
The government spokesperson criticized opposition leaders for what he called a skewed interpretation of Cameroon’s constitution. He argued that constitutional provisions should be applied with « greater rigor and objectivity. »
Regarding claims that the Constitutional Council had declared a power vacuum, Sadi firmly rejected the notion. « The Constitutional Council has not made any declaration of a power vacuum, » he stated.
Uncertainty over return timeline
When questioned about when President Biya might return, the minister acknowledged the lack of a precise schedule. « I cannot give you an exact date for President Paul Biya’s return, » he admitted, though he assured the public that the president would be back « very soon. »
The president’s absence has fueled speculation across Cameroon, particularly among opposition groups questioning the continuity of governance. Authorities have not disclosed the president’s current location or the reasons behind his extended stay abroad.