The Cameroon Democratic Union (CDU) party has urged the civil cabinet of the Presidency or the government spokesperson to clarify the whereabouts of President Paul Biya, who has been absent for over 29 days.
In a statement disseminated via social media, CDU President Tomaino Ndam Njoya emphasized that the Civil Cabinet of the Presidency, the Government Spokesperson, and other relevant institutions, particularly the Constitutional Council, should be accountable for providing the public with official information. This is essential to dispel the dangerous speculations that are intensifying.
“Of course, there is a deadline that obliges in these cases; however, there is no need to maintain a climate of suspicion in an already fragile context, which we all must protect,” she stated.
She also urged the Cameroonian people to remain cautious and vigilant in respecting Republican institutions, constitutional order, peace, and social cohesion.
Since the conclusion of the China-Africa Forum (FOCAC) on September 7, where citizens last saw President Biya participating in this significant summit, there has been no official update regarding his situation. Notably, he was represented by the Minister of External Relations at the Summit of the Francophonie, with no explanation provided.
“To date, H.E. Paul Biya has still not returned to the country to continue to assume his high functions. In the meantime, given his age and the rumors about his health, which allegedly suffered a blow during the trip, public opinion is left to navigate various speculations from different sources, including social media, which are likely to dangerously influence the normal course of daily life for citizens and the institutions of the Republic,” she remarked. Ndam Njoya reminded the public that the President represents the first institution of the country and belongs to the Sovereign People, who have the legitimate right to be informed at all times about his condition and status.
She underscored that as President Biya remains silent, it is crucial to remind Cameroonians of Article 6 of the Constitution of Cameroon, which states that “in the event of a vacancy in the Presidency of the Republic due to death, resignation or permanent incapacity noted by the Constitutional Council, the vote for the election of the new President of the Republic must imperatively take place twenty (20) days at least and one hundred and twenty (120) days at most after the vacancy arises.”
This is not the first time that the 91-year-old President Paul Biya has gone for extended periods without making a public appearance, prompting speculation about a potential vacancy in the Presidency.
