Cameroon Government Refutes Rumors on President Paul Biya’s Health

The government of Cameroon has issued a statement affirming that President Paul Biya, aged 91, is in good health amidst rampant speculation about his wellbeing. This declaration was made on Tuesday in response to widespread rumors about the president’s health status. The conjectures gained traction following President Biya‘s absence from public appearances since his visit to Beijing in early September.

The absence of President Biya from a recent summit in France further fueled speculations regarding his health. In a statement released by government spokesperson Rene Sadi, these rumors were dismissed as “pure fantasy.” Sadi stressed that the government categorically denies such reports, labeling them unfounded.

Opposition parties and civil society groups in Cameroon have been vocal in their demands for a transparent update on the president’s health and his precise location. Addressing these concerns, Sadi noted that President Biya had embarked on a private visit to Europe following his official engagements in Beijing. He assured the public that “the head of state is in good health and will be returning to Cameroon in the coming days.”

The political landscape in West and Central Africa remains delicate, with Biya’s potential absence posing a risk of further instability. Since 2020, the region has experienced eight coups, heightening concerns about political transitions. One African minister attending the Paris summit noted anonymously that while Biya has not been involved in day-to-day governance, his departure could likely trigger significant unrest, highlighting the lack of a clear succession plan.

Cameroon, a nation rich in cocoa and oil, is contending with internal challenges including a secessionist conflict and a violent insurgency by Boko Haram in the northern regions. The stability of the country, which has only had two presidents since gaining independence in the early 1960s, could be jeopardized by any sudden political changes involving President Biya.

Reporting from Paris was supplemented by Sonia Rolley, with the article written by Alessandra Prentice and edited by Leslie Adler. For further updates and a complete version of this reporting, JavaScript and cookies need to be enabled on the accessing device.