President Paul Biya's absence from public events, both locally and internationally, has caught the attention of many Cameroonians, with questions now lingering about his whereabouts. 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 passing. 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.

Succession Speculation

Political insiders, including Cameroon Concord, report that a succession plan may already be in place, with Robert 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.

Recent Events and the Government's Response

President Paul Biya's absence from public events, both locally and internationally, has caught the attention of many Cameroonians, with questions now lingering about his whereabouts. According to local reports, Biya left Cameroon in early July this year and is currently on an official mission abroad.

Biya began his diplomatic trip in France in July before proceeding to China. However, he was absent from the UN General Assembly, and according to an official statement, he decided to rest in Switzerland instead. Biya also missed the recent La Francophonie summit held in France. A source within the presidency cited Biya's health as the reason for his absence from major events.

There is no legal limit on the duration of a presidential stay abroad, although public discourse suggests around 40 days as an acceptable timeframe for being away from Cameroon. During his 42-year reign, Paul Biya has sometimes stayed abroad for such extended periods that rumors of his death have circulated, only for him to reappear dramatically at the last minute.

Meanwhile, several political leaders have called on 91-year-old President Biya to seek another term in the 2025 presidential election, despite persistent rumors about his health. As with every presidential election in Cameroon, the tradition of calls for Paul Biya’s candidacy continues, despite growing concerns over his health.

Rumors and Clarifications

The Cameroonian presidency has debunked reports alleging that Paul Biya, the nation’s 91-year-old leader, is dead. Biya’s health has been the subject of widespread speculation for nearly a month. The Cameroonian president successively cancelled appearances at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF) summit, and the Sustainable Development Forum in Hamburg, Germany. The rumours reached a crescendo on Tuesday when ABS Africa TV announced the president’s death.

Biya has not been seen in public since leaving Beijing on September 8, after attending the Forum on China-Africa Co-operation (FOCAC). He had been expected to return to Cameroon in mid-September after his stay in China. Preparations for his arrival had been put in place but were later lifted when the president’s medical team advised him to remain in Switzerland. Biya has regularly undergone medical care and extended periods of rest in Switzerland.

According to the Cameroon Intelligence Report, an online platform, the president has been battling heart problems and memory failure for many years. The report added that Biya’s health was worsened by prostate cancer, which spread to other vital organs, eventually claiming his life over the weekend at a hospital in an uncertain location of Paris or Geneva.

However, Samuel Ayolo, the director of the presidency’s civil cabinet, issued a statement debunking Biya’s rumoured death. “For some time now, some malicious people through social networks have tried to make people believe that the President of the Republic is seriously ill, or even passed away,” Ayolo said. “The Civil Cabinet of the Presidency of the Republic wishes to reassure all our compatriots as well as the international community about the excellent state of health of the Head of State who works and goes about his business in Geneva from where he has never left since his arrival from Beijing. The Civil Cabinet of the Presidency of the Republic strongly condemns behaviors that abuse freedom of expression to try to disturb national and international opinion.”

Biya's Legacy and Concerns for the Future

Biya has been a significant figure in Cameroonian politics, serving as president since 1982. He is one of the longest-serving leaders in the world and the oldest head of state in Africa, having been in power for over four decades. Biya has been re-elected six times, often amid allegations of electoral fraud and irregularities. The 91-year-old has also been labelled a dictator and has been accused of impoverishing Cameroon.

Last year, the president reshuffled his ministry of defence as coups ravaged neighboring Sahelian countries. Without a clear transition plan in place, analysts say his demise may trigger a coup in the French-speaking nation.

The Unanswered Questions

While the government has officially denied rumors of Biya's death and stated his well-being, concerns remain about the lack of transparency surrounding his health and the implications for Cameroon's future. With no clear indication of his return or a succession plan in place, the uncertainty persists, leaving many wondering about the potential for political instability in the absence of the country's long-standing leader.