Opposition leader urges Cameroon’s Constitutional Council to declare presidential vacancy
Cameroon’s opposition figure Jean-Michel Nintcheu has formally requested the Constitutional Council to recognize a vacancy in the presidency following President Paul Biya’s prolonged absence from the country.
Political tensions rise over president’s extended stay in Switzerland
President Paul Biya, who left Cameroon on June 7 for a private visit to Switzerland, has yet to return to Yaoundé after 44 days abroad. This unprecedented absence has reignited discussions about the 93-year-old leader’s health and ability to govern. Reactions across Cameroon’s political spectrum vary sharply depending on allegiances.
In a July 17 Facebook post, opposition member Jean-Michel Nintcheu, a former SDF party cadre from Douala, urged the Constitutional Council to declare the presidency vacant. His statement read: « The Constitutional Council must recognize the vacancy at the highest level of the State ».
Ruling party dismisses vacancy claims
Christophe Mien Zok, RDPC propaganda director, countered these claims in a public statement: « The presidency is not vacant. The Lion has not left ». Despite his absence from Cameroon, President Biya continues to conduct official duties from Geneva, including signing congratulatory messages to foreign leaders such as French President Emmanuel Macron on July 14.