Cameroon: Who is really calling the shots?
Summary
Cameroon’s constitution gives President Paul Biya broad executive powers and sets rules for delegating some duties when he cannot perform them. His long absences have raised questions about how the government operates, but officials have not publicly explained whether a formal delegation applies during those periods.Key Facts
- Biya has governed Cameroon since 1982.
- Biya returned to Yaounde on August 20 after more than 10 weeks abroad; his stay in Europe began on June 7.
- The constitution allows the president to delegate some powers and requires an express delegation if he is temporarily unable to perform his duties.
- An overseas absence alone does not establish that the president is unable to perform his duties or automatically transfer his constitutional powers.
- The government has not provided a detailed public account of whether a clear delegation of presidential functions is in effect during Biya’s prolonged absences.
- A 2019 decree granted presidency secretary-general Ferdinand Ngoh Ngoh a permanent delegation of signature for certain official documents.
- The article distinguishes Ngoh Ngoh’s authority to sign certain documents from a transfer of presidential powers.
- First Lady Chantal Biya and the president’s son, Franck Biya, hold no constitutional executive office; claims about their influence are difficult to verify independently.
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