Paul biya’s absence fuels power vacuum in Cameroon

As Cameroon grapples with an unprecedented leadership gap, President Paul Biya, aged 93, has intensified his use of presidential decrees to assert his ongoing authority and counter mounting accusations of an institutional void.

Biya and his wife departed Cameroon on June 7, initially described as a brief private visit to Europe. Yet, nearly two months later, the head of state remains out of public view, fueling intense speculation about his health and ability to govern.

In response to growing unease, the government has adopted a proactive stance, rolling out a series of executive actions to demonstrate that Biya remains firmly in control. Among these measures, a landmark decree was issued in late July, granting the Minister of Economy the authority to finalize a critical financing agreement with the Islamic Development Bank, totaling nearly 28 billion Central African CFA francs.

On August 3, Biya further underscored his presence through decisive military restructuring. Five colonels were elevated to the rank of brigadier general, while the distinguished General Ebaka Hypolite was appointed as the new Major General of the Armed Forces. These strategic appointments not only reinforce the president’s influence over state affairs but also tighten his grip on the security apparatus.

Government officials have dismissed concerns about Biya’s health, reassuring the public of his imminent return. However, the opposition has sharply criticized the prolonged absence, framing it as evidence of a dangerous institutional paralysis. Critics argue that Cameroon is effectively operating on autopilot, with delayed appointments for a new vice president and government reshuffle exacerbating the crisis.