Cameroon's president, in power since 1982, has gone missing
Cameroon's president, in power since 1982, has gone missing after a visit to Europe. President Paul Biya of Cameroon, who has been in power since 1982, hasn't appeared in his country for over two months.
Consensus
- President Paul Biya of Cameroon has not appeared in the country for more than two months.
- He left Cameroon on June 7 for a 'short-term private visit' to Europe.
- The visit has become one of the longest during his presidency.
- His prolonged absence has raised concerns about his health.
- There are concerns about a potential power vacuum in the country.
- The constitution of Cameroon does not prohibit the president from being absent for months.
- Paul Biya has been in power since 1982.
- He was re-elected for an eighth presidential term in autumn 2025.
- Biya frequently spends time in Europe, particularly in France and Switzerland.
- In his absence, governance is reportedly managed by close allies and family members.
Points of divergence
- The visit occurred amid armed conflicts: 'Boko Haram' operates in the north, and a separatist conflict continues in the west. — tg_moscowtimes_ru
- The economy of Cameroon is in stagnation, and the prolonged absence of Biya exacerbates social tension and public dissatisfaction. — kommersant
- The president was confirmed to be in Switzerland during his absence. — vesti
- Opposition representatives stated that state affairs are being managed in an 'automatic mode'. — vm
Coverage (4 sources)
- President ruling Cameroon since 1982 disappeared after trip to Europe — The Moscow Times
- AP: 93-year-old Cameroonian President Paul Biya missing for two months, departed to Europe — Вечерняя Москва
- AP: President of Cameroon Biya has not appeared in the country since June — Вести
- 93-year-old President of Cameroon has not appeared in the country for two months — Коммерсантъ