Politics

Cameroon Concord News to put up an obituary announcement on Biya soonest

3, August 2026

Cameroon Concord News to put up an obituary announcement on Biya soonest 0

For weeks, the people of Cameroon have been left to grapple with one question that should never have become a national mystery: Where is President Paul Biya?

The prolonged absence of the world’s oldest serving head of state has fueled intense speculation both within Cameroon and across the international community. In any democracy, prolonged uncertainty surrounding the condition and whereabouts of a sitting head of state would demand prompt, factual and transparent communication from the authorities. Instead, Cameroonians have been met with silence, secrecy and a climate in which even discussing the president’s health has reportedly become a matter of legal risk.

Governments do not own the truth. They hold it in trust for the people they serve. When a nation’s leader disappears from public view for an extended period without credible official updates, speculation is inevitable. It is not journalists who create rumors; it is official silence that gives them life.

Unity Palace has both the responsibility and the means to put an end to the uncertainty. A clear, verifiable statement detailing President Biya’s whereabouts, his capacity to discharge the duties of his office and the constitutional arrangements in place—if any—would go a long way toward restoring public confidence. Such transparency would serve not only the Cameroonian people but also the country’s institutions and international partners.

Cameroon Concord News has a duty to report facts, not rumors. We also have an obligation to ask difficult questions when those entrusted with public office refuse to provide answers. We therefore call upon the Government of Prime Minister Dion Ngute to immediately issue a comprehensive and credible statement addressing President Paul Biya’s prolonged absence.

Should the government continue to withhold basic information regarding the Head of State’s status and whereabouts, Cameroon Concord News will be left with no other option than to put up an obituary announcement on Biya soonest. The burden of ending speculation rests squarely with Prime Minister Dion Ngute and his cabinet, which possesses the information the public, has every right to know.

History has repeatedly shown that transparency strengthens governments, while secrecy weakens public trust. Cameroon deserves facts, not whispers; accountability, not censorship; clarity, not uncertainty.

The time for silence has long passed.

By Soter Tarh Agbaw-Ebai

Brazil’s Lula says he is ‘in great shape’ as he launches fourth term bid

3, August 2026

Brazil’s Lula says he is ‘in great shape’ as he launches fourth term bid 0

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, 80, said Sunday he was “in great shape” as he launched his candidacy for October elections, with pressure from President Donald Trump’s administration looming over the campaign.

Lula, a leftist titan of Latin American politics who is loved and despised in near-equal measure in Brazil, highlighted what he called his stamina and good health as he addressed a convention of his Worker’s Party (PT) in Sao Paulo attended by around 3,000 people.

“I want to fight against old age. I don’t want to be shuffling along. That’s why I work out my legs. That’s why I work out my arms. That’s why I walk for an hour,” said the veteran leftist, adding he was far fitter than when he was first elected in 2002.

The former metalworker and union leader made a dramatic comeback when he returned to power three years ago after a stint in jail on corruption charges that were later annulled.

He is seeking a fourth and final term in office.

Brazil’s constitution allows presidents to serve two consecutive terms. After sitting out at least one term, they can run again, with no lifetime limit on the number of terms.

In his speech to a crowd awash in red, the colour of the PT, Lula compared himself to World Cup icons like Argentina’s Lionel Messi and Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo.

“What people don’t realise is that this World Cup of mine is the seventh,” he said, referring to the number of times he has run for the top job in the past four decades.

Standing next to his wife, Rosangela da Silva, 59, he said he would not run again, because “after we hand Brazil back to the Brazilian people in perfect shape – we’re going on vacation to focus on romance for another 20 years.”

Lula’s main election rival is Flavio Bolsonaro, eldest son of far-right former president Jair Bolsonaro.

The 45-year-old senator stepped into the role after his father was convicted of plotting a coup to prevent Lula from taking power in 2023.

Source: France 24

Biya’s Health: CPDM political bureau must act before uncertainty becomes crisis

1, August 2026

Biya’s Health: CPDM political bureau must act before uncertainty becomes crisis 0

Speculation surrounding President Paul Biya’s condition and political future has once again exposed a fundamental weakness in Cameroon’s governance: the absence of a clear and credible transition strategy. Whether the rumor proves true or false is ultimately secondary to the larger issue. A nation of millions cannot afford to have its future held hostage by uncertainty.

The responsibility now rests squarely with the Political Bureau of the Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM). As the governing party and the country’s dominant political force for decades, it has both the authority and the obligation to reassure citizens that the state remains stable, functional and prepared for every eventuality.

An emergency session of the Political Bureau should be convened without delay. Such a meeting would not be an admission of crisis; rather, it would demonstrate responsible leadership and institutional maturity. Every enduring political organization must be capable of managing succession in an orderly and transparent manner.

Cameroon stands at a defining moment. The country’s economic challenges, security concerns and aspirations of its youthful population demand leadership that is present, energetic and capable of engaging directly with the realities of the day. Prolonged ambiguity serves no one. It fuels speculation, unsettles investors, weakens public confidence and creates unnecessary political tension.

The CPDM Political Bureau should use an emergency session to chart a clear path forward by identifying and endorsing a new leader capable of uniting the party and presenting a compelling vision for the nation’s future. Such a decision should be guided by competence, integrity, experience and a commitment to national cohesion rather than factional interests.

This is not merely about preserving the fortunes of the CPDM. It is about protecting the stability of the Republic. History has shown that countries fare best when leadership transitions are managed through strong institutions rather than uncertainty and rumor.

Cameroonians deserve clarity. They deserve confidence that their institutions are prepared for tomorrow regardless of today’s speculation. The ruling party has an opportunity to demonstrate that it places the nation’s interests above political hesitation.

The time for silence has passed. The time for decisive, responsible leadership is now. The CPDM Political Bureau should convene an emergency session immediately and provide the country with a clear, credible roadmap for the future through the selection of a new national chairman.

By Soter Tarh Agbaw-Ebai

Tchiroma, Akere, Kamto:  an opposition that still cannot seize the moment

30, July 2026

Tchiroma, Akere, Kamto:  an opposition that still cannot seize the moment 0

More than 50 days into President Paul Biya’s latest stay in Switzerland, Cameroon has once again found itself confronting familiar questions about presidential absence, succession and the future of governance. Yet if this prolonged absence has exposed the vulnerabilities of an aging political system, it has also revealed an equally uncomfortable truth: the Cameroonian opposition remains unable to transform political opportunity into a credible national movement.

For years, opposition leaders have argued that President Biya’s long rule has exhausted the country’s political institutions and that Cameroon urgently needs democratic renewal. If that diagnosis is correct, then the president’s extended stay abroad should have represented a defining political moment. Instead, Issa Tchiroma, Akere Muna, Maurice Kamto, Joshua Osih and others have largely settled for press conferences, social media statements and isolated criticisms that have failed to generate sustained national momentum.

The problem is not a lack of grievances. Cameroon faces persistent economic pressures, youth unemployment, insecurity in several regions and widespread public frustration over governance. These concerns are real and deeply felt. What has been missing is an opposition capable of organizing these frustrations into a coherent political project.

Too often, opposition parties such as the SDF, MRC, UNDP and of late Issa Tchiroma’s majority following appear more invested in competing with one another than in building a united front. Personal rivalries overshadow strategic cooperation. Leaders who speak passionately about change frequently struggle to agree on common priorities or a shared electoral strategy. The result is fragmentation at precisely the moment when unity would carry the greatest political weight.

The inability to capitalize on President Biya’s prolonged absence also raises questions about preparation. Effective opposition movements do not wait for political openings to develop policies, grassroots networks or leadership structures. They spend years building credibility so that when circumstances shift, they are ready to offer themselves as a convincing alternative. In Cameroon, that level of preparation has often been lacking.

Many Cameroonians seeking change are left asking a difficult question: if the opposition cannot organize effectively during one of the most politically symbolic periods in recent years, how can it persuade voters that it is prepared to govern a complex country?

Criticism of the government alone is no longer enough. Cameroonians increasingly want practical proposals on economic recovery, employment, national reconciliation, decentralization, security and institutional reform. An opposition that defines itself solely by opposition risks only reinforces the perception that it has no governing vision beyond replacing those currently in power.

This is not to ignore the genuine constraints facing opposition parties. Cameroon has long been criticized by domestic and international observers for restrictions on political competition, unequal access to state resources and legal and administrative obstacles confronting opposition actors. These realities make political mobilization considerably more difficult. However, structural disadvantages cannot explain every missed opportunity. Political leadership is ultimately measured not only by the obstacles it faces but also by its ability to adapt, innovate and inspire under difficult conditions.

President Biya’s extended stay abroad has once again highlighted the uncertainties surrounding Cameroon’s political future. Yet history may judge this period not only by the actions of those in power, but also by the inability of their challengers to present themselves as a disciplined, united and credible alternative.

Political opportunities are rarely permanent. They emerge unexpectedly and disappear just as quickly. Unless the Cameroonian opposition can overcome its divisions, articulate a compelling national vision, and build genuine grassroots momentum, it risks watching another historic opening pass by—leaving the country’s political landscape fundamentally unchanged. Kamto, Akere, Tchiroma-over to you people!

By Soter Tarh Agbaw-Ebai

Paul Biya’s 50 Days in Switzerland: The long goodbye to an era

28, July 2026

Paul Biya’s 50 Days in Switzerland: The long goodbye to an era 0

For more than four decades, President Paul Biya has defied predictions of his political demise. He has outlasted rivals, survived crises and maintained an iron grip on Cameroon through a system built on centralized authority and carefully managed succession. Yet politics is often defined not by dramatic events, but by prolonged absences that expose uncomfortable realities. Biya’s record 50-day stay in Switzerland is one such moment.

Whether the official explanations are accepted or not by the people of Cameroon, the extraordinary length of Biya’s absence has inevitably fueled questions about his health, his ability to govern and the future of the Cameroonian state. In any functioning democracy, such questions would be answered with transparency. Instead, Cameroonians have been left with rumors, speculation and official denials from Biya acolytes that have done little to dispel uncertainty.

The issue is no longer simply where President Biya is. The issue is what his prolonged absence says about the state of power in Cameroon.

For decades, Biya’s authority rested on the perception that he alone embodied the state. That image becomes increasingly difficult to sustain when the country’s leader spends weeks away from the seat of government while critical national decisions continue to accumulate. Even if the machinery of government continues to function, prolonged physical absence inevitably raises doubts about who is truly making decisions and how power is being exercised behind closed doors.

History shows that the twilight of long-serving leaders is often marked not by a formal resignation, but by a gradual erosion of their political presence. Authority shifts quietly before power changes hands officially. Ministers become more cautious. Political allies begin calculating the future. Ambitious successors position themselves discreetly. The conversation moves from loyalty to succession. Cameroon increasingly appears to be entering that phase.

The government’s insistence that everything is normal has not prevented widespread speculation. If anything, the absence of clear communication has amplified it. In the age of instant information, silence rarely reassures. Instead, it creates space for competing narratives that undermine public confidence.

No one outside the president’s closest circle can state with certainty the full circumstances surrounding his stay in Switzerland. It is therefore important to distinguish between verified facts and speculation. But one fact is undeniable: a president who has remained away from his country for an unprecedented period inevitably invites questions about continuity, governance and succession.

For a leader who has ruled Cameroon for more than four decades, this may well be remembered as the moment when the country collectively began contemplating the post-Biya era—not because an official announcement was made but because events spoke louder than words.

Political endings rarely arrive with fanfare. They emerge gradually, as confidence fades, uncertainty grows and the symbolism of power begins to outweigh its exercise. Biya’s prolonged stay abroad has become more than a personal matter; it has become a national political event.

Whether President Paul Biya ultimately returns to Yaoundé or not, his record stay in Switzerland may come to symbolize the beginning of the end of one of Africa’s longest presidential tenures. The transition may not happen today or even this year, but the aura of permanence that once surrounded his rule appears increasingly fragile.

For Cameroon, the more pressing question is no longer whether the Biya era will end. It is whether the country is prepared for what comes after.

By Soter Tarh Agbaw-Ebai

Israeli ex-army chief emerges as main rival to Netanyahu ahead of general election

27, July 2026

Israeli ex-army chief emerges as main rival to Netanyahu ahead of general election 0

As Israel heads into a fiercely contested general election on October 27, former military chief Gadi Eisenkot has emerged as the principal challenger to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Eisenkot’s rise comes at a pivotal moment in Israeli politics, with the election widely viewed as a referendum on the long-serving premier’s leadership in the violent aftermath of Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack on Israel.

A recent Channel 12 poll put Eisenkot’s new party, Yashar (Hebrew for “Straight” or “Upright”), ahead of Netanyahu’s Likud, projecting 23 seats to Likud’s 22 in the 120-member Knesset.

The same survey found that 43 percent of respondents considered Eisenkot, 66, the most suitable candidate for prime minister, compared with 34 percent for Netanyahu.

Eisenkot – who has dismissed calls for a future Palestinian state as irrelevant after the October 7 attacks and pioneered Israel’s strategy of disproportionate military responses in Lebanon – has built his campaign around a 10-point platform that he says will restore Israel’s security, unity and democratic institutions.

Chief of staff of the Israeli military between 2015 and 2019, Eisenkot was among those credited with developing the “Dahiya Doctrine”, named after a Beirut suburb that is a Hezbollah stronghold.

Advanced on the premise that Hezbollah conceals fighters and weapons among civilian homes and infrastructure, the doctrine calls for a devastating Israeli response against enemy population centres when Israeli communities come under long-range attack.

At the top of his civilian manifesto is a pledge to establish a state commission of inquiry into Hamas’s bloody 2023 cross-border attack, which triggered the Gaza war and quickly expanded into a broader regional conflict, and which led to Netanyahu’s government being accused of overseeing an intelligence failure.

Tens of thousands of Israelis have repeatedly demonstrated in support of such an inquiry, but Netanyahu’s coalition has instead proposed a commission whose members would be chosen by politicians.

Eisenkot also promises a “new long-term national security doctrine” aimed at strengthening the military and reinforcing Israel’s borders.

A central plank of this is a “universal national service law” that would extend compulsory service to ultra-Orthodox Jews and Arab citizens.

He has also pledged to “protect judicial independence, the rule of law, minority rights and a free press”.

“Through these steps, we will ensure that Israel is a Jewish, democratic, powerful, advanced and secure state,” Eisenkot’s campaign says.

His overall position on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, however, remains less clearly defined.

“The only signal that he sent was that Israel should be a state of law,” said Tal Elovits, a researcher at Israeli think tank Molad. “Therefore, illegal settlements and settlers’ violence will be dealt with.”

Relatively new to politics, Eisenkot has attracted widespread public sympathy after his son, Gal, and two nephews were killed fighting in Gaza.

Eisenkot’s call for universal military service has become a defining issue of his campaign, putting him at the forefront of opposition to Netanyahu’s alliance with ultra-Orthodox parties.

Eisenkot has repeatedly attacked Netanyahu’s agreement with his coalition partners to advance legislation exempting many Haredi men from military service.

“This is a government that chooses to weaken the army in the midst of a brutal war, while the finest sons and daughters of this nation are deployed across all fronts,” he wrote, in a social media post.

‘Different generation’

Unlike Netanyahu, who comes from one of Israel’s elite families, Eisenkot is the son of Moroccan immigrants and grew up on the country’s geographic periphery.

“In a political universe full of Netanyahu wannabes … Eisenkot reads as a man of a different generation, far more connected to the traditional security narratives of Zionism,” columnist Nadav Eyal wrote in a recent blog.

Eisenkot’s understated style could prove to be one of his strongest political assets, said Elovits.

“The middle class and upper middle class… look for someone that will look responsible, boring, and I think that Eisenkot has that appeal,” he said.

Although opposition leaders Yair Lapid and Naftali Bennett remain in contention, current polling suggests neither is as well positioned as Eisenkot to defeat Netanyahu.

Lapid and Bennett governed together between 2021 and 2022 in a coalition that included an Arab party.

Strategic option

According to Elovits, many disillusioned right-wing voters still see that alliance as a “betrayal”, making them unlikely to return to Bennett.

“Many voters of the right wing who do not like what Netanyahu is doing… are looking for a home. And a reasonable house for them today is Gadi Eisenkot,” said Gayil Talshir, a political science professor at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem.

For liberal centrist voters, Eisenkot increasingly represents the opposition candidate with the strongest chance of unseating Netanyahu.

“Once Eisenkot began to rise above Bennett in the polls, the strategic voters of the liberal camp went with Eisenkot,” Talshir said.

Source: AFP

Biya’s Continued Stay in Power: SDF rejects any delay to legislative and municipal elections

26, July 2026

Biya’s Continued Stay in Power: SDF rejects any delay to legislative and municipal elections 0

The Social Democratic Front (SDF), one of Cameroon’s foremost opposition parties, has declared that it will firmly oppose any postponement of the country’s upcoming legislative and municipal elections, insisting that the polls must be held within the constitutional timeframe regardless of prevailing circumstances.

The position was made public by the National Chairman of the SDF, Hon. Joshua Osih Nabangi, during a press conference held on July 23, 2026, at the party’s national secretariat in Olezoa, Yaoundé.

Addressing journalists and party officials, Hon. Joshua Osih maintained that the elections represent an essential democratic exercise and warned against any attempt to delay the process. He stressed that all parts of the country, including the conflict-affected North West and South West regions, must participate fully in the elections.

“We will leave no stone unturned for elections to be held in the North West and South West regions. We cannot continue to leave our country in the hands of those who do not respect Cameroonians,” Osih declared.

The SDF chairman said holding elections across the entire national territory would demonstrate the country’s commitment to democracy and ensure that citizens are represented in national and local institutions.

He argued that the people of the North West and South West regions should not be deprived of their democratic right to elect representatives because of the security challenges affecting the two regions.

Call for Massive Voter Registration

A significant part of Osih’s address focused on voter registration, as he urged all eligible Cameroonians who have not yet enrolled on the electoral register to do so before the August 31, 2026 deadline. According to him, broad participation in the electoral process is the surest way for citizens to express their political choices through the ballot box.

He called on young people, first-time voters and all citizens of voting age to register in large numbers, arguing that elections provide an opportunity for peaceful political change.

Osih accused the current administration of failing to account to citizens and urged voters to use the upcoming polls to determine the country’s future. The SDF has been intensifying voter mobilisation campaigns in recent months as political parties prepare for both the legislative and municipal elections expected within the coming months.

During the press conference, Osih also commented on the prolonged stay abroad of President Paul Biya. The President has remained outside Cameroon for several weeks, a situation that has generated public debate and political commentary.

While acknowledging that the President had previously informed Cameroonians before travelling abroad for what was described as a private stay, Osih said citizens deserve an update on his situation.

“From a political point of view, the President of the Republic should inform Cameroonians on what is happening to him abroad as he informed us when he was travelling abroad for a brief private stay. He is an institution, and he owes us,” the SDF leader stated.

Hon. Joshua Osih has urged eligible Cameroonians who have not yet enrolled on the electoral register to do so before the August 31, 2026 deadline

“Carry the Force of Change”

Looking ahead to the elections, the opposition leader appealed to voters to rally behind the SDF in both the municipal and legislative polls. He said electing SDF councillors and Members of Parliament would provide an opportunity to strengthen local governance and parliamentary oversight while securing a better future for younger generations.

“Carry the force of change to victory during the upcoming legislative and municipal elections by taking your councils and Parliament under the SDF ticket to guarantee the future for your children,” Osih appealed.

The SDF has consistently presented itself as an alternative political force advocating democratic governance, accountability and decentralisation. The twin elections are expected to provide an opportunity to expand their influence in local councils and Parliament.

Osih also referred to recent comments by the Minister of Public Health, Manaouda Malachie, who has repeatedly stated that Cameroon’s health system has significantly improved and that hospitals in the country are increasingly capable of providing quality medical care.

Referring to those assurances, the SDF chairman remarked that President Biya could return home, suggesting that the country’s healthcare facilities should be able to provide the necessary medical services if required.

The SDF’s declaration comes as political parties across Cameroon step up preparations for the forthcoming elections. The ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM) has already announced nationwide voter mobilisation campaigns and plans to deploy party officials across the country to strengthen voter registration efforts and prepare for candidate selection.

With the voter registration deadline approaching, political parties are expected to intensify grassroots campaigns aimed at increasing their support base. The legislative and municipal elections are expected to come up in the first half of 2027 after the mandates of Mayors and MPs were extended by Paul Biya earlier this year.

Source: Pan African Visions

Biya’s Extended Stay in Geneva: Minister Fame Ndongo dismisses speculation

26, July 2026

Biya’s Extended Stay in Geneva: Minister Fame Ndongo dismisses speculation 0

The Minister of State, Minister of Higher Education, Professor Jacques Fame Ndongo, has firmly dismissed suggestions that the country is experiencing a vacuum in executive leadership, insisting that President Biya remains fully in charge of state affairs.

In a statement titled “Stop the Fantasies. There Is No ‘Vacancy’ at the Head of State,” Fame Ndongo argued that claims of a vacant presidency have no legal, constitutional or logical basis.

According to Minister Fame Ndongo, who doubles as the Communication Secretary of the ruling Cameroon Peoples Democratic Party, CPDM, Cameroon’s Constitution does not prescribe a maximum duration for a presidential stay outside the national territory.

“Claiming that executive power is vacant in Cameroon is a legal, political and logical barbarism,” he stated, arguing that no constitutional provision can be invoked to suggest that the President forfeits his authority by remaining abroad for an extended period.

The minister stressed that executive authority continues to function normally, regardless of the President’s physical location.

“There is no sleepiness at the summit of the State,” Fame Ndongo said, maintaining that President Biya continues to monitor government affairs, review official files submitted by his collaborators and issue directives necessary for the smooth functioning of the country.

He added that the President remains actively engaged in decision-making through established communication channels and administrative procedures.

Fame Ndongo also condemned what he described as the spread of misinformation and unfounded rumours regarding the Head of State. “So stop the boasting, the fabrications and the big lies,” he said, urging citizens to concentrate on their respective responsibilities instead of engaging in speculation.

Drawing on philosophical references, the minister quoted French philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre’s assertion that “man is the sum of his acts,” while also invoking Voltaire’s famous call to “cultivate one’s garden” as an appeal for citizens to focus on constructive work rather than rumours.

According to Minister Fame Ndongo, Cameroon’s Constitution does not prescribe a maximum duration for a presidential stay outside the national territory.

Critics Raise Questions

Not everyone shares that interpretation. Among the most prominent critics is veteran human rights lawyer Alice Nkom, who publicly questioned the President’s prolonged absence while the country confronts multiple national challenges.

In a Facebook post, Nkom argued that Cameroon requires visible leadership at a time when citizens continue to grapple with economic hardship, political tensions and social concerns. She criticised the political stagnation and questioned why the Head of State had remained abroad for more than a month.

Nkom alleged electoral irregularities during the 2025 presidential election, criticised the postponement of legislative and municipal elections until 2027, and expressed concern over child malnutrition, violent crime and the continued detention of political activists.

Supporters of the government argue that modern communication technologies allow heads of state to govern effectively from anywhere in the world. They point to digital communications, secure government channels and established administrative procedures as evidence that state institutions continue to function.

Critics, however, contend that leadership extends beyond signing official documents. They argue that the visibility and presence of a head of state can reassure citizens, strengthen public confidence and demonstrate responsiveness during challenging periods.

As speculation continues, the official date as to when President Biya will return to Cameroon is anyone’s guess. Until such communication is made, questions surrounding the duration of his stay abroad are likely to remain at the centre of national political discourse.

For now, the country finds itself balancing two competing narratives—one insisting that constitutional authority remains fully intact regardless of geography, and another arguing that effective leadership requires not only legal authority but also visible presence.

Source: Pan African Visions

Yaoundé: CPDM barons meet as Biya’s long absence draws criticism

23, July 2026

Yaoundé: CPDM barons meet as Biya’s long absence draws criticism 0

Cameroon’s ruling party called a rare meeting of senior leaders on Wednesday as criticism mounted over the continued absence of President Paul ​Biya, 93, who has spent the last 45 days abroad.

Biya, the ‌world’s oldest head of state, left Cameroon on June 7 for what the civil cabinet described as “a brief private stay in Europe” and has since not returned. The government has provided no information as to when he might be back.

Jean Nkuete, secretary-general of the central committee of the Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM), who summoned the ⁠meeting, did not disclose its agenda, describing it in a statement only as “an important ​working session.” There was no immediate indication that the meeting was linked to Biya’s ​prolonged absence from public view.

In office since 1982, Biya has for years spent extended stretches in Switzerland and elsewhere in Europe, though his advanced age means they have increasingly fuelled speculation about ​his health, whereabouts and ability to govern. The current overseas trip is his ​longest yet.

DISCUSSION OF HEALTH BANNED

After a similarly extended period out of the country in 2024, the ‌government banned discussion ⁠of Biya’s health.

That has not stopped some opposition figures from commenting on Biya’s absence.

The Cameroon Democratic Union, an opposition party, said in a statement on July 18 that officials should “provide the nation with the necessary clarifications regarding the effective continuity of ​the state.”

In a Facebook ​post on July ⁠17, opposition lawmaker Jean Michel Nintcheu said the Constitutional Court should declare the position of head of state vacant.

A government spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment. The government has previously ⁠dismissed reports that Biya is receiving medical treatment and said he can effectively run the cocoa- and oil-producing country from overseas.

Lawmakers in April approved the re-introduction of the role ⁠of vice ​president, who would be first in line to ​succeed Biya, but the role has not been filled.

Biya has also not appointed a new government despite having won ​re-election last October.

Source: Reuters

Issa Tchiroma Calls for Overthrow of Biya’s Government

22, July 2026

Issa Tchiroma Calls for Overthrow of Biya’s Government 0

Opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary has made a direct appeal to the country’s defence and security forces, urging them to facilitate his return from The Gambia, where he says he is living in forced exile.

In a message on his official Facebook account and addressed to members of the National Gendarmerie, the Army, the Air Force, the Navy and the Fire Brigade Corps, Issa Tchiroma reiterated his rejection of the official results of the October 12, 2025 presidential election, which declared incumbent President Paul Biya the winner.

Issa Tchiroma maintains that he won the election and described himself as the “President-elect” of Cameroon.

Addressing military personnel, Tchiroma paid tribute to their role in defending the nation’s territorial integrity, maintaining peace and protecting citizens in accordance with the rule of law and respect for human rights.

Tchiroma promised that, if he assumed office, he would modernise the country’s defence forces and improve the welfare of military personnel. “Under my leadership, I will ensure a more professional, stronger and more modern army with a status that matches your role and the risks and threats we all face,” he said.

The exiled opposition leader accused the current administration of refusing to recognise the will of the electorate and claimed to have initiated international legal proceedings to defend democracy and human rights in Cameroon.

He further alleged that Cameroonians were facing persecution and intimidation, accusing what he described as “misguided elements” within the security services of acting against the population.

Tchiroma also claimed that he received overwhelming electoral support during the 2025 presidential election, including significant backing from members of the defence and security forces. These claims differ from the official election results announced by Cameroon’s electoral authorities.

Calling on members of the military to remain faithful to their constitutional responsibilities, Tchiroma urged them to uphold the sovereign will of the people. “Remember that you have sworn an oath to serve the Cameroonian people,” he told members of the armed forces. “You must take your responsibilities and not allow yourselves to be drawn into this calamitous path with no future.”

In the strongest part of his address, Tchiroma appealed directly to the military to facilitate his return to Cameroon. “I solemnly ask you to come and take me home from The Gambia where I find myself in constrained and forced exile,” he said.

“I am eager to be by the side of my people, the Cameroonian people who elected me, and to serve them with honour and loyalty for a brighter future.”

Tchiroma Bakary added that he believed it was his constitutional duty to preside over this year’s Armed Forces Day celebrations (on August 14), as Commander-in-Chief, based on his claim that he was the legitimate winner of the 2025 election.

The appeal comes as Tchiroma continues to challenge the official outcome from abroad. Cameroon’s electoral authorities declared President Paul Biya the winner of the poll with 53.7 per cent, a result that Tchiroma and some opposition supporters have rejected. The official election results gave Tchiroma 35.2 per cent of the votes.

Source: Panafricanvisions

1 2 3 4 5 >»
Powered by  GDPR Cookie Compliance
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.