Cameroun presidency: ruling party dismisses claims over extended presidential absence

The ruling party in Cameroun has firmly rejected growing speculation regarding the prolonged absence of President Paul Biya, dismissing such claims as legally and politically unfounded. In a scathing statement, Minister of State Jacques Fame Ndongo condemned what he described as a “barbaric” attempt to apply nonexistent constitutional provisions to the country’s leader.

Fame Ndongo emphasized that Cameroun has no legal framework stipulating a maximum duration for a president’s absence from national territory. He argued that any effort to enforce such a non-existent rule would amount to “a fanciful and wandering interpretation of the law,” suggesting it reflects the creative imagination of those seeking to destabilize the government.

The minister further asserted that President Biya, who has led the nation since 1982, remains actively engaged in governance. According to his account, the president meticulously reviews official documents—whether in person or through established digital channels—ensuring continuous oversight of state affairs.

Opposition challenges claims of presidential activity

The opposition Movement for the Renaissance of Cameroon (MRC) swiftly countered the government’s narrative. Speaking on behalf of party leader Maurice Kamto, Vice President Mamadou Mota questioned the legitimacy of a presidency exercised remotely. “How many weeks of physical absence does it take for the supreme magistracy to become a mere illusion?” he asked. “Forty-five days outside the country is not a stay—it’s a de facto exile.”

The MRC mocked the notion of a Cameroun governed through “clandestine telework,” highlighting the irony of a leadership allegedly operating from afar while the nation’s institutions remain physically vacant.