Biya, 91 year old Cameroonian President’s absence since July sparks death rumours

President Paul Biya’s continued absence in Cameroon sparks health concerns
Paul Biya, the president of Cameroon

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.

Diaspora Digital Media understands that 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.

Paul Biya

Paul Biya has been serving as the President of Cameroon since November 6, 1982, making him the second-longest-ruling president in Africa and the longest consecutively serving non-royal national leader globally.

Born on February 13, 1933, in Mvomeka’a, French Cameroon, Biya rose rapidly as a bureaucrat under President Ahmadou Ahidjo in the 1960s.

*Early Life and Education
Biya attended seminary schools until 1954 and later studied at Lycée Général Leclerc in Yaoundé, graduating in 1956.

He pursued higher education in France, graduating with a diploma in public law from the Institut des hautes études d’Outre-Mer in 1961.

*Presidency
Biya became Prime Minister of Cameroon in 1975 and succeeded Ahidjo as president upon his surprise resignation in 1982.

He consolidated power in a 1983-1984 staged attempted coup, eliminating major rivals.

Biya introduced political reforms within the context of a one-party system in the 1980s and later accepted multiparty politics in the 1990s under pressure.

*Controversies and Criticisms
Biya’s presidency has been marked by controversies, including allegations of voting irregularities and fraud in the 1992, 1997, 2004, 2011, and 2018 presidential elections.

His government has also faced criticism for corruption, economic mismanagement, and human rights abuses ¹.

*Personal Life
Biya is married to Chantal Vigouroux and has three children.

He is known for his frequent overseas trips, particularly to France and Switzerland, and limited public appearances in Cameroon.

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