Two months without a public appearance, eight months into an eighth consecutive term—such prolonged absence remains unprecedented in Cameroon’s political landscape.

While unparalleled, it is not illegal, reassures Benoit Ndong Soumeth, a presidential mission minister. “A population may, out of concern, seek clarity about their leader’s whereabouts. The director of the Civil Cabinet has confirmed all is well—his statement stands as the most authoritative reassurance. There is no cause for alarm or urgency,” he states.

Yet Roger Justin Noah, first deputy secretary-general and interim communications secretary of Maurice Kamto’s opposition Movement for the Renaissance of Cameroon (MRC), sees this lack of transparency as a disregard for Cameroonian citizens.

“The Cameroonian people deserve to know”

“Why manipulate electoral processes to spend weeks abroad? If the president faces health challenges, the people have a right to know—there is no justification for ambiguity around the head of state’s condition,” he argues.

Cabral Libii, who placed third in last October’s presidential election, dismisses the controversy as unnecessary. For him, the real issue lies ahead in early 2027. “I believe there’s no meaningful difference between his stay abroad and in Cameroon. From a legal standpoint, Cameroon currently operates in a legal vacuum. As legislative and municipal elections approach, I urge everyone to massively vote against this regime,” he declares.

The PCRN deputy pins hopes on a potential shift in majority to revise laws governing presidential absences abroad.