Governance expert challenges presidential absence record
Cameroon’s governance watchdog Benjamin Ngongang has publicly criticized President Paul Biya’s extended European trip, which has now surpassed 49 days—a duration he calls unprecedented for any head of state.
The political commentator made these remarks during a live television appearance on Canal 2 International’s Canal Presse program. He highlighted that the President’s prolonged absence from the country raises serious concerns about governance legitimacy and accountability.
«The President of the Republic is not elected to govern from abroad. Even the opposition—and notably, majority MPs—should be deeply troubled by a 49-day absence. As of today, he has been outside Cameroon for 49 days since leaving on June 7. If he doesn’t return tonight, he will break his own record for the longest foreign stay.»
Ngongang emphasized the absurdity of the situation, stating that no other nation in the world tolerates such extended presidential absences, whether for private or official purposes.
«No other country allows a president to remain abroad for more than 30 days—whether for personal reasons or official missions. Cameroon has truly set a unique precedent.»
Comparing presidential mobility
He contrasted President Biya’s extended absence with the travel habits of other global leaders facing critical situations. Ngongang pointed out that heads of state like the U.S. President or Iran’s Assembly Speaker, despite pressing geopolitical challenges, do not remain abroad for weeks on end.
«Leaders managing far greater crises—the U.S. President and Iran’s Assembly Speaker—travel to negotiate when necessary but never for 49 consecutive days. Even in times of war, they return promptly. The supreme leader’s role is to finalize agreements negotiated by experts.»
His remarks come amid growing public frustration over the President’s limited on-ground presence, particularly in crisis zones like the North-West and South-West regions.