Cameroon's Gov't Assures Public 91-Year-Old President Biya Is Alive And Healthy

Cameroon's government has firmly dismissed rumors about President Paul Biya's health, labeling them as "pure fantasy."

Speculation about Biya's condition surged after he missed a high-profile summit in France, fueling concerns about his health. He has not been seen in public since attending the China-Africa forum in Beijing in early September.

In an official statement, government spokesperson Rene Sadi emphasized that Biya is in good health and will return to Cameroon soon, following a private visit to Europe after the Beijing forum.

Opposition parties and civil society groups had raised concerns about the president’s whereabouts and health status and demanded updates.

With no clear succession plan in place, many fear political instability in Cameroon if Biya were to leave office. Only two presidents have led Cameroon since gaining independence in the 1960s. The country is already grappling with internal challenges, including a separatist conflict in the west and a Boko Haram insurgency in the north.

Biya’s prolonged absence from governance could further escalate tensions in the country.

Experts worry that his death could create a political vacuum, adding to the instability in a region that has experienced multiple coups since 2020.

African ministers particularly noted his absence from the Paris summit, with one anonymous source expressing concerns over Cameroon’s uncertain future without Biya.