Rumours about Cameroonian President Paul Biya’s health are raising serious questions about the country’s leader as public concerns grows over his extended absence.
The 91-year-old leader has not been seen since attending the China-Africa Summit in early September, with reports suggesting he may be recovering in Switzerland or receiving treatment in France.
The lack of official updates has sparked concern about succession plans for the president, who has ruled for over four decades.
In an open letter to Samuel Mvondo Ayolo, the director of Cameroon’s Civil Cabinet, lawyer Christian Ntimbane demanded government transparency regarding Biya’s condition.
“If he is on vacation, say so. If he is sick, say that too,” Ntimbane urged, noting that the public’s concerns deserve a clear response.
As media coverage around Biya’s absence intensifies, Cameroonians worry about potential instability in the event of his rumored passing.
Rumors surrounding the death of President Paul Biya have sparked widespread concern on social media and certain media outlets. In response, Grégoire Owona, Minister of Labor and Social Security, has called on authorities to take firm action against those responsible for spreading the false information.
Owona, who also serves as Deputy Secretary General of the Central Committee of the Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM), expressed his outrage on social media. “Those attempting to mislead public opinion by falsely announcing the death of our Head of State must face severe consequences. Such individuals, devoid of human conscience, should be dealt with by the appropriate institutions. While we live in a democracy, malice and hatred have their limits!” Owona wrote.
The rumor, initially spread by ABS TV—a channel associated with separatist supporters of the so-called Ambazonia State—was quickly picked up by various social media platforms. Despite reports of President Biya’s critical health condition following surgery, no official statement has confirmed these claims.
President Biya, 91, had been seen during the China-Africa Economic Forum in early September before reportedly traveling to Switzerland. His absence from major events like the 79th UN General Assembly and the Francophonie summit fueled further speculation, but the government has yet to release an official update on his condition.
Many users on X (formerly Twitter) speculate that France may be positioning Biya’s eldest son, Franck Emmanuel Biya, as his successor, possibly indicating a push for a dynastic transition.
Others see this as an opportunity for change, suggesting that Cameroon could be on the cusp of a new political chapter after Biya’s long-standing rule.
Political insiders, including Cameroon Concord, report that a succession plan may already be in place, withRobert Nkili, Biya’s brother-in-law, expected to serve as interim president. However, opposition figures like Maurice Kamto are likely to resist any dynastic handover, calling instead for democratic reforms.
President Biya has held power since 1982, making him Africa’s second-longest-serving leader and the oldest head of state worldwide.
His prolonged silence and the government’s refusal to clarify his status have amplified public uncertainty over Cameroon’s future, stirring debates about a potential power shift.
Discover more from Geez Liberia
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.