Cameroon’s First Vice Senate President, who could likely be a constitutional successor in case of vacancy at the presidency, is in Geneva, Switzerland.
Aboubakary Abdoulaye, according to information from the senate, led a delegation to the 149th Assembly of the Inter-parliamentary Union to Geneva, Switzerland.
He is being accompanied by the Senate Third Vice President Din Bell and Secretary of the Senate, Chafah Isaac.
The Senate did not give any further information as to what the delegation would be doing there.
Biya is also in Geneva.
Aboubakary Abdoulaye, according to the constitution, stands a chance of succeeding President Paul Biya in case of any resignation, death, or permanent incapacitation.
That is because the Senate President who could, who is supposed to be Interim, is said to be unwell and old, leaving many to focus on the Senate 1st Vice President.
Aboubakary Abdoulaye is going to Switzerland at a time when many are speculating about a vacancy at the presidency owing to President Paul Biya’s absence from public view.
The last time Biya was seen in public was on September 8 in Beijing following the Africa-China Summit.
However, the Director of Cabinet at the Presidency, Samuel Mvondo Ayolo, had said Biya is in Geneva, Switzerland, and in an excellent state of health.
Could the Geneva Summit be a Cover?
Since the departure of Aboubakary Abdoulaye to Geneva last weekend, many have been wondering if he is there to receive instructions considering rumors of vacancy that have exacerbated public debate in Cameroon.
However, official information is that he is attending the 149th Assembly of the Inter-parliamentary Union in Geneva, Switzerland, which is between October 13 and 17.
This year’s assembly focuses on ways of harnessing science, technology, and innovation (STI) for a more peaceful and sustainable future and provides a platform for delegates to deliberate, exchange views, and galvanize parliamentary action.
Where is the Senate President?
On October 15th, 2024, Cameroon’s President, Paul Biya, who has not been seen in public for over a month, wrote to three countries in one day.
But the last time the Senate President, Marcel Niat Njifenji, was seen in public was on July 12, when he chaired the Senate Bureau Meeting.
The meeting assessed the progress of the institution but also recalled the course set by its head: “Work, honesty, and participation in the building of the nation.”
Since that meeting, all public appearances that require Niat’s presence have been Senate 1st Vice President Lamido of Ray Bouba, Aboubakary Abdoulaye.
Even though this summit is taking place in Geneva, it was supposed to be the Senate President, but it is the vice that is representing him.
