Cameroon’s opposition leader Jean-Michel Nintcheu has formally requested the Constitutional Council to declare a power vacuum at the highest level of government after President Paul Biya exceeded his expected return from Switzerland by 44 days.

The president left Yaoundé on June 7 for what was initially described as a brief private visit to Switzerland. His prolonged absence has reignited debates about the 93-year-old leader’s health and ability to govern. Political reactions have sharply divided along partisan lines, with supporters and critics interpreting the situation through their own lenses.

On his Facebook page, Nintcheu, a former SDF member from Douala, issued a direct call to action: “The Constitutional Council must officially recognize the vacancy at the summit of the state”, he declared on July 17.

Ruling party counters with reassurances

In response, the ruling RDPC party has sought to ease concerns. Christophe Mien Zok, the party’s propaganda director, dismissed claims of a power vacuum with a defiant statement: “The power is not vacant. The Lion has not left.” The president continues to conduct official duties from Geneva, including signing congratulatory messages to foreign counterparts such as French President Emmanuel Macron on Bastille Day.