Cameroon President Paul Biya has been abroad for 54 days. On June 7, President Biya left the capital, Yaounde, for Europe accompanied by his wife, Chantal Biya, and an official delegation.
The government stated that the president is on a 'private visit to Europe' and has previously denied reports that he was receiving medical treatment. While official authorities have not disclosed the specific country where Paul Biya is located, reports suggest he is in Geneva, Switzerland; however, officials have not confirmed this location.
The President's prolonged absence has prompted calls from opposition groups. The Cameroon Democratic Union (UDC) requested a public explanation regarding the functioning of state administration during the absence. Additionally, Jean Michel Nintcheu, President of the Cameroon Change Front (FCC), called upon the Constitutional Court to declare the presidency vacant.
Constitutional updates and the Vice Presidency
On April 4, 2026, the Cameroon Parliament re-established the office of Vice President through a constitutional amendment. Under this new constitution, a Vice President appointed by the President is designated to complete the remainder of the term in the event of the president's death, resignation, or permanent inability to perform duties. Despite the amendment entering into force, no appointment has been made to the position of Vice President.
Leadership history
Paul Biya has ruled Cameroon for 44 years. He took over the presidency on November 6, 1982, following the resignation of Ahmadou Ahidjo, after having served as Prime Minister between 1975 and 1982. A 2008 constitutional amendment removed term limits for the presidency.
Current age of President Paul Biya
Biya, who is the world's oldest sitting head of state, won presidential elections in 1984, 1988, 1992, 1997, 2004, 2011, 2018, and 2025. He won the most recent presidential election in October 2025. He is among the longest-serving leaders in Africa.