Political leaders demand clarity on state continuity as President Biya remains abroad

The Union Démocratique du Cameroun (UDC) has called for urgent measures to strengthen institutional safeguards ensuring the continuity of the Cameroonian state during President Paul Biya’s prolonged absence from the country.

In an official statement released on July 18, the opposition party emphasized that while it does not question the legitimacy of the Head of State, his extended stay abroad since June 7 raises concerns about the effective exercise of presidential duties and the need for transparent procedures in case of temporary incapacity.

The UDC highlights that prolonged absence does not automatically constitute a vacancy in the presidency but stresses that such situations require clear constitutional mechanisms. The party welcomes the reinstatement of the Vice-Presidency through the April 14, 2026 constitutional revision but insists that additional measures are necessary to address current challenges.

Proposed measures to reinforce state stability

The UDC’s recommendations include:

• Formal framework for presidential absences: Establishing precise rules for situations where the Head of State is unable to fulfill duties due to extended travel or health reasons.
• Regular national and parliamentary updates: Ensuring transparent communication to maintain public trust in government institutions.
• Delegation of presidential functions: Allowing for official delegation of certain responsibilities when necessary.
• Impartial assessment procedures: Creating a neutral process to verify any temporary or permanent incapacity of the President.

These proposals aim to prevent institutional instability and reinforce public confidence in Cameroon’s governance system.

Ongoing concerns over presidential absence

President Paul Biya, who left Yaoundé on June 7 for a private stay in Switzerland, remains in Geneva over a month later. This prolonged absence has sparked reactions from opposition figures and civil society organizations, who are calling for greater transparency regarding the continuity of state functions.

The UDC’s call for constitutional safeguards reflects broader concerns about governance during extended presidential absences, particularly in a context where institutional resilience is critical for national stability.