Cameroon’s opposition leader Jean-Michel Nintcheu has formally requested the Constitutional Council to declare a power vacuum following President Paul Biya’s absence from the country for over a month and a half.

President Paul Biya, who left Cameroon for a private visit to Switzerland on June 7, has yet to return to Yaoundé 44 days after his departure. The prolonged absence has reignited discussions about the 93-year-old leader’s health. Within political circles and national opinion, reactions vary depending on political affiliation.

On his Facebook page, Jean-Michel Nintcheu, a former SDF member from Douala, called on the Constitutional Council to recognize the vacancy of power. “The Constitutional Council must declare the vacancy at the summit of the state,” he wrote on July 17.

Ruling Party Reassures Public

In contrast, the ruling RDPC party has sought to ease concerns. “Power is not vacant. The Lion has not departed,” stated Christophe Mien Zok, RDPC’s propaganda director. Meanwhile, President Paul Biya continues to sign decrees and congratulatory messages from Geneva, including a message to French President Emmanuel Macron on July 14 to mark France’s national holiday.