Cameroon: Government denies rumors of power vacuum and confirms President Paul Biya is alive

Algiers, Aug 3 (KUNA) -- Cameroon’s government spokesperson, René Sadi, affirmed on Monday that “President Paul Biya is still alive,” denying “any power vacuum,” amid growing speculation over the president’s two-month absence from the country. In his first official government statement regarding the president’s absence, Cameroon’s Minister of Communications and government spokesperson, René Sadi, said that “the president will return to Cameroon very soon,” without specifying an exact date for his return. He stressed that “talks of a vacancy in the presidency have no constitutional basis,” adding that “calls by some opposition figures to declare a power vacuum are based on an inaccurate interpretation of the constitution.” He clarified that “the Constitutional Council has not issued any decision declaring the presidency vacant, nor has the president submitted his resignation,” noting that “all constitutional institutions continue to carry out their duties normally.” He added, “I cannot specify the date of the president’s return, and even if I knew, it is not within my competence... but I assure you that he will return very soon.” These remarks came amid increasing speculation about President Paul Biya’s health following his prolonged absence from official activities and his departure from the country, raising questions about the management of state affairs and the future of power in Cameroon. (End) M.R. / T.A.B.