Cameroon After 51 Days of Presidential Absence: Constitutional Vacancy or Political Perception? (Analysis by Dr. David Makongo)

Cameroon After 51 Days of Presidential Absence: Constitutional Vacancy or Political Perception? (Analysis by Dr. David Makongo)

Can old age, prolonged absence from office, and persistent rumors of ill health amount to a constitutional vacancy of power at the summit of the State, even while a president remains in office?

The debate over whether Cameroon is experiencing a "vacancy at the summit of the State" is fundamentally a constitutional question, not simply a political or emotional narrative. The facts, the law, and public perception do not always point in the same direction.

What does the Constitution say?

Under the constitutional framework, a presidential vacancy exists only in clearly defined circumstances. Traditionally, these are:

Death; Resignation; or Permanent incapacity.

The Constitution does not state that a President's advanced age, prolonged stay abroad, illness, or reduced public appearances automatically create a constitutional vacancy. Nor does it impose a maximum number of days the President may remain outside Cameroon.

Why those claiming there is a vacancy believe they are right?

Their argument is based less on the literal wording of the Constitution than on the practical exercise of presidential power.

They point to:

President Paul Biya's advanced age (94 years).

Persistent reports regarding his health.

His reported absence from Cameroon for about 51 days.

Limited direct public communication.

Public uncertainty over who is making day-to-day strategic decisions.

Images of the First Lady watching the FIFA WORLD CUP finals in America while speculation over the President's condition continues.

Their central argument is that effective governance requires visible, accountable leadership. Even if no constitutional vacancy exists, they contend there may be a functional or political vacuum if citizens cannot determine whether the Head of State is personally exercising his constitutional responsibilities.

This is ultimately an argument about transparency and democratic accountability rather than constitutional text.

Why those denying a vacancy also have a strong legal argument?

Legally, unless there has been: death, resignation, or a constitutionally recognized finding of permanent incapacity, the Presidency remains occupied.

If the President continues signing documents, issuing instructions, receiving reports electronically, or governing remotely, supporters argue that constitutional authority continues uninterrupted regardless of his physical location. The Constitution does not require the President to remain permanently in Cameroon to govern. From this perspective, rumors alone cannot replace constitutional procedures.

Where both sides may be wrong

Both sides can overstate their case.

Those claiming there is automatically a vacancy may be wrong because constitutional vacancy is a legal status—not something created by speculation, age, or absence alone.

Those insisting there is absolutely no problem may also overlook an important constitutional principle: legitimacy depends not only on legal authority but also on public confidence. When information is scarce, official communication is limited, and conflicting reports circulate, uncertainty naturally grows. Transparency is often the best antidote to rumors.

Conclusion

Law answers one question:

Who legally holds power?

Public confidence answers another:

Can citizens reasonably see that power is being exercised effectively?

These are not always identical.

A President may remain the lawful Head of State while legitimate public questions arise about transparency, succession planning, or institutional communication.

I recommend that Cameroonians should approach this debate with wisdom, restraint, and respect for both constitutional law and verified facts.

They should reject rumors presented as facts, but they should also reject the idea that every public concern is illegitimate. Constitutional questions deserve constitutional answers—not insults, propaganda, or speculation.

The greatest protection for national stability is a government that communicates openly, institutions that apply the Constitution impartially, an informed public that demands evidence before drawing conclusions, and political actors who place the Republic above personalities.

Finally, nation should never be governed by rumors, but neither should it expect its citizens to govern themselves with silence. Where facts are clear, trust grows. Where information is withheld, speculation fills the vacuum. In moments of uncertainty, Cameroonians should let the national interest rise above politics.

Dr. David Makongo

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#Governance #Democracy #Transparency #Accountability

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