Cameroon’s Ruling Party Meets as President Paul Biya’s Long Absence Raises Questions

Cameroon’s ruling party, the Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM), has held a rare meeting of senior officials amid growing criticism over President Paul Biya’s prolonged absence from the country. The 93-year-old president, who is the world’s oldest serving head of state, left Cameroon on June 7, 2026, for what authorities described as a private stay in Europe. He has now spent 45 days abroad, with the government yet to announce when he will return. The meeting was convened by CPDM Secretary-General Jean Nkuete, who described it as an “important working session” but did not reveal it

Cameroon’s ruling party, the Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM), has held a rare meeting of senior officials amid growing criticism over President Paul Biya’s prolonged absence from the country. The 93-year-old president, who is the world’s oldest serving head of state, left Cameroon on June 7, 2026, for what authorities described as a private stay in Europe. He has now spent 45 days abroad, with the government yet to announce when he will return. The meeting was convened by CPDM Secretary-General Jean Nkuete, who described it as an “important working session” but did not reveal its agenda. There was no official confirmation that the meeting was directly linked to Biya’s absence. Biya has ruled Cameroon since 1982 and has often spent extended periods abroad, particularly in Switzerland and other European countries. However, his latest absence has intensified public debate over his health, leadership capacity and the future of the country’s political transition. Opposition groups have called for greater transparency, demanding explanations from authorities about the continuity of state leadership. Opposition lawmaker Jean Michel Nintcheu also urged the Constitutional Court to consider declaring the presidency vacant. The government has previously rejected reports that Biya is receiving medical treatment abroad, insisting that he remains capable of governing the country remotely. In April, lawmakers approved the return of the position of Vice President, who would be first in line to succeed the president, but the position has not yet been filled. Biya has also not appointed a new government despite winning re-election in October last year, adding further attention to questions surrounding Cameroon’s political future. As uncertainty continues, many Cameroonians are watching closely for official communication on the president’s return and the direction of the country’s leadership.