Cameroon’s president Paul Biya has been absent from the country for more than six weeks following what was initially described as a brief private visit to Europe, prompting growing public debate about the nation’s leadership. At 93, Biya is one of Africa’s longest-serving presidents, and his prolonged absence has fuelled speculation about his health and ability to govern. An opposition lawmaker has called on the constitutional council to declare the presidency vacant, while the governing party insists the state continues to function normally and that there is no constitutional crisis. Official messages have continued to be issued in the president’s name, but he has made no public appearance since leaving the country. Although parliament voted in April to reintroduce the role of vice-president, nobody has been appointed to this role, adding to the uncertainty about the country’s future. See