Governance analyst Benjamin Ngongang has sharply criticized President Paul Biya’s frequent absences and prolonged stays abroad, calling into question the president’s commitment to managing state affairs from within Cameroon.

During a recent appearance on the Canal Presse program on Canal 2 International, Ngongang highlighted the president’s extended absence from the country, which has reached 49 days as of 26 July 2026. The analyst emphasized that such prolonged foreign stays are unprecedented in modern governance.

«The President of the Republic is not elected to govern from abroad. It is concerning that even members of the ruling party’s majority, including opposition figures, have not raised concerns over the president’s 49-day absence. This situation is abnormal and sets a troubling precedent.» Ngongang stated during the broadcast.

«There is no country in the world where a leader would remain outside their nation for such an extended period, whether for personal or official reasons. Cameroon stands out for all the wrong reasons in this regard.» he added.

Global comparisons fail to justify prolonged absences

Ngongang went on to argue that even leaders facing critical international crises, such as the Presidents of the United States and Iran, do not remain abroad for extended periods. He stressed that heads of state are expected to return promptly after high-level negotiations, as technical teams handle the groundwork.

«Leaders managing major conflicts, such as those between the U.S. and Iran, do not stay abroad for weeks. They travel, conclude agreements, and return to address their nations. The Cameroonian president’s prolonged absence undermines confidence in the government’s ability to address domestic challenges.» he concluded.