Senior officials in Cameroon have strongly affirmed that President Paul Biya is in “excellent” condition, following his prolonged absence from public view, which has sparked rumors about the health of the 91-year-old leader.
Biya has not made any public appearances since 8 September, when he was present at a China-Africa summit in Beijing. His absence from significant engagements, including the United Nations General Assembly, has fueled speculation.
In response, the head of Cameroon’s civil cabinet issued a statement rejecting the rumors, blaming “mischievous individuals” for spreading false information about the president’s health and alleged death.
This statement came after growing calls from opposition groups and civil society demanding clarity on Biya’s health and his current location.
“The head of state continues to perform his duties from Geneva and has not left the [Swiss] city since his visit to Beijing,” declared Samuel Mvondo Ayolo, director of the civil cabinet, on Wednesday.
Biya has long been criticized for the extended periods he spends abroad, particularly in Switzerland. A 2018 report by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) revealed that since taking office in 1982, Biya had spent around four-and-a-half years traveling outside the country.
His favorite destination is reportedly the Intercontinental Hotel in Geneva.
Government spokesperson René Sadi, in a separate statement, reassured the public that Biya is expected to return to Cameroon “in the coming days,” dismissing any reports of ill health as “pure fantasy.”
As one of Africa’s longest-serving heads of state, Biya has led Cameroon for 42 years. His leadership saw the transition from a one-party system to multi-party politics, but his tenure has also been marred by widespread corruption. Reforms were rolled back when term limits were removed in 2008.
The country is also embroiled in a secessionist crisis in its western regions, which has claimed over 6,000 lives.
