Opposition Leaders Remain Silent Amid Growing Speculation About Biya’s Whereabouts

As rumours continue to swirl around the whereabouts of Cameroonian President Paul Biya, who has been out of the public eye for over a month, the country’s major opposition figures have remained conspicuously silent. Speculation about the president’s health or possible demise has dominated both media and public spaces, yet opposition leaders have not spoken out, despite rising concern among the public.

Although the government has officially denied rumours of Biya’s death, no clear evidence has been provided to confirm his location. This lack of transparency has fueled widespread speculation, both nationally and internationally. However, the usual critics of the government have yet to demand answers.

Kamto, Libii, Matomba, and Osih: Silence from the Opposition

Key opposition figures—such as Maurice Kamto of the Cameroon Renaissance Movement (CRM), Cabral Libii of the PCRN, and Joshua Osih of the Social Democratic Front (SDF)—have remained uncharacteristically quiet. These politicians, who are typically quick to criticise government policies, especially in times of crisis, have not made any public statements regarding Biya’s absence.

These opposition leaders have previously expressed their ambitions to challenge President Biya in the 2025 elections, should he seek another term. Yet, despite his month-long absence, they have not called on the government to provide further clarification or evidence about the president’s condition.

Akere Muna who, despite focussing on the ongoing Glencore corruption case, found time to put out a tweet, challenging the statement from MINAT prohibiting discussions about the whereabouts of the president. Maurice Kamto has kept himself occupied with posting daily reflections, and Serge Espoir Matomba of the PURS party is currently engaged in tourism activities across the country.

Female Politicians Speak Out

While the prominent male opposition leaders have remained silent on President Biya’s disappearance, several female politicians have been vocal, challenging the government’s handling of the situation and demanding transparency.

Kah Walla, leader of the Cameroon People’s Party (CPP), has openly responded to a recent statement from MINAT, which warned the media against discussing the president’s health. Walla challenged the government on the legal basis for this media ban, emphasising the importance of freedom of the press and the public’s right to information. “On what legal grounds can the government ban discussions about the president’s health?” she questioned, calling the restriction undemocratic and unconstitutional. Her response highlighted the need for more openness in matters concerning national leadership, particularly when public concern is at its peak.

Similarly, Barrister Michèle Ndoki and her movement, Les Bâtisseurs de la Nation (The Nation Builders), have stepped forward to provide clarity on the legal framework regarding the presidency. In a statement, Ndoki explained what the Cameroonian constitution stipulates in the event of a vacancy at the presidency. She stressed that the law is clear about succession procedures and the steps required to handle such a situation. This effort to inform Cameroonians has been viewed as a proactive move to ensure the public is aware of their rights and the legal implications if the president is unable to fulfil his duties.

With the exception of Barrister Akere Muna, these female leaders are filling the gap left by their male counterparts, ensuring that the conversation about the country’s leadership remains active and that the government is held accountable during this period of uncertainty.

Would They Behave Similarly in Power?

This silence raises questions about whether these opposition figures might behave similarly if they were in Biya’s position. Could their reluctance to demand transparency from the current government signal a willingness to adopt similar practices if elected? Would they also disappear from the public eye, using taxpayer money for personal matters, without accountability to the people?

The absence of any demands for proof of Biya’s whereabouts might suggest that they want to avoid setting a precedent that could come back to haunt them should they ever assume office.

A Lack of Interest?

Another possibility is that the opposition sees this issue as an internal matter for Biya’s ruling CPDM party to handle. With Biya being their chief rival in the upcoming election, it’s possible the opposition prefers to stand back and let the ruling party address the growing public concerns about his health and leadership.

Tomaino Ndam Njoya’s Cameroon Democratic Union (CDU), and another female politician, is the only political party that has formally requested that the government address the issue. The CDU wrote a letter to Minister of Communication and government spokesperson René Emmanuel Sadi, as well as to the Director of the Civil Cabinet, Samuel Mvondo Ayolo, urging them to clarify the president’s situation.

The last public appearance of President Biya was in early September, when he attended the China-Africa Summit. Since then, his absence has gone unexplained, leaving Cameroonians to speculate in the face of official silence.

Mimi Mefo Info